The multi-instrumentalist and unclassifiable electronic music producer, FOODOO enlists the vocals of Bonkaz, Dotty, Mugun and Marvz Skee for the release of his ‘Be Like’ EP. The visuals to lead single ‘Nokia Nostalgia’ ft Bonkaz dropped via Link Up TV last week.
Littered with musical influences that see the tracks lend from jazz, hip-hop, grime, funk, soul and R&B, FOODOO has a clear talent in being able to both capture and portray emotion through his productions before a vocal is even laid. Hazy beats, downtempo pop and woozy R&B give the E.P both a welcoming and intoxicating aura.
Having started his production journey at the age of just 14, the London-based talent received his first radio play just 4 months later on BBC Radio 1Xtra. His work soon caught the attention of artists and labels alike, resulting in him working and remixing for Bonkaz, Sway, Tiggs the Author, Bluey Robinson, Glasser and Raheem Bakare, with the music releasing through Pitched Up (Sony), Warners, True Panther Sounds, Tru Thoughts, Kitsune and Otherway Records.
His solo releases to date have resulted in critical acclaim from the likes of iD Magazine, Clash, Pigeons and Planes, The405, Indie Shuffle and Complex UK, highlighting him as a gifted producer with a promising future, something his new release is not only expected to live up to but also exceed.
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.
Following the releases of ‘Pixelate’ (video to single stole NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Video of the Week title for two consecutive weeks) and ‘Rabbit Hole’ (was recently named Song of the Week by NEW LEASE MUSIC), SHAEFRI returns with her third single, entitled ‘Monster’ ahead of her forthcoming debut EP.
The three-and-a-half minute emotive offering is about resisting the weaknesses and deals with the ongoing struggle of the internal self, all over a bed of steadily building synths and beats.
Speaking of the song SHAEFRI explains “I wrote Monster at a time when I was in a bit of a dark place, and I found it to be a useful way of helping me accept that I had this ‘creature’ within me, that likes to self-destruct, but to try to resist it whilst learning to live alongside it – we all have our demons, but they help to make us who we are.”
After the success of her previous releases, the London-based electro-pop singer has seen an influx of support from Clash, C-Heads, and Hattie Pearson at Radio X, whilst her unique brand of haunting vocals and minimalistic beats have seen her perform at venues across London, such as The Borderline and Bush Hall.
On 6th April, SHAEFRI will mark the release of the debut EP ‘Cracks’ by playing live at The Notting Hill Arts Club, alongside her producer J Harvey Jones and supported by Tay Salem…so if you’re in area, stop by and see her perform.
For now, listen to ‘Monster’ released today on all major music platforms.
Rising UK music artist RUBY FRANCIS and Warsaw raised producer and artist CHLOE MARTINI have released a smooth and sultry R&B remix of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’. Giving the worldwide smash song an addictive soulful update – merging Ruby’s unique mix of futuristic R&B with retro and funky jazz sounds with Chloe’s one-of-a-kind brand of slinky, hypnotic beats – the new refix is set to be on constant repeat on the headphones and speakers of fans of stellar soul and R&B music everywhere!
Having been raised listening to Chaka Khan, Level 42 and Stevie Wonder, RUBY FRANCIS’ passion for music started when she received her first keyboard aged ten and started writing her own music. Three years ago she began to take her music career to the next level, having already collaborated with producers and artists such as Dornik, Linden Jay, Miles James (NAO) and Shift K3y.
Citing Odd Future, The Internet, NAO and Pharrell as her modern-day inspirations, Ruby released her debut track ‘Fall Asleep’ last month, a track that she co-produced with NK-OK of Blue Beats. With her original style, sound and infectious personality, there’s no doubt that Ruby Francis will be marking her place in the music scene over the coming months and far beyond.
Ruby FrancisChloe Martini
Set to claim her rightful place as one of the music industry’s most exciting talents, Chloe released her new track ‘Change of Heart’ in January, featuring rising star Chiara Hunter. The soulful, dancefloor track has received praise from the likes of Clash, Wonderland and MTV and is the first cut taken from Chloe’s forthcoming second EP ‘Never Twice The Same’, a collaboration with some of the UK’s hottest up-and-coming female artists including Anne-Marie, Vanessa White and BB Diamond. Serving as the follow-up to her debut EP ‘Private Joy’, ‘Never Twice The Same’ is set to make some huge waves with its release in March.
As a self-taught producer and musician, it was her insanely popular remixes of tracks from the likes of Destiny’s Child, Sia, RÜFÜS, Janelle Monae and Pusha T that swiftly brought her onto the radar of established DJs and producers including Annie Mac and Snakehips, who she went on to support on tour alongside her own headline tours and sets at some of Europe’s largest festivals including Bestival, Open’er and Way Out. Chloe’s debut EP saw her garner support from the likes of Radio 1 and 1Xtra and tastemakers such as The 405, Majestic Casual and Eton Messy and amass millions of streams – alongside her highly sought-after remixes – across Soundcloud and Spotify.
Chloe’s most recent production credits include US soul duo VanJess’ next single and two of Vanessa White’s solo releases. Selected by Redbull Music Academy from tens of thousands of applications to join their September 2016 season in Montreal – which saw her collaborating with a range of other musicians such as Kaytranada and River Tiber and performing at a number of the city’s key venues – Chloe Martini continues to prove why she is set to be the name firmly on every music lover’s lips.
Check out their insanely cool makeover to Ed Sheeran’s hit (I think he would be very pleased!)
After making a sharp ascent in to the key list of music producers that are rocking the urban music scene in 2016, STICKY BLOOD collaborate with LA based producer JIKAY (All Trap Music / HotDamn), to drop their latest record Oh My Days featuring Boy Better Know’s Frisco.
With a deep reverb on the bass and the intermittent crashing of symbols working around the chopped and screwed synths, Frisco is the perfect addition as he brings his gritty lyricism to lace the beat. Coming with an intricate and melodic flow, the London MC sounds at ease on the Hip-Hop influenced instrumental.
STICKY BLOOD‘s experimental and visionary stance on creating new sounds has awarded them support from Red Bull, Complex, Radio 1Xtra, Clash, Wonderland, NME, Toddla T, Mistajam, Monki and many more. They have worked with numerous acts including Coco, Toddla T, Snowy and Tom Prior and, thanks to their relentless approach to creating and releasing music, have played a major part in the current surge of exciting new artists and music coming from Sheffield, Nottingham and surrounding areas.
Here’s your chance to check out the visual to Oh My Days.
New Lease Music 