Song of the Day: So Much More – Quinn Oulton

London-based multi-instrumentalist & songwriter QUINN OULTON‘s first single of 2024, ‘So Much More’, is a poignant reflection upon the life of his grandmother, who lived with Parkinson’s Disease for as long as he can remember.

Written from the perspective of Quinn’s grandmother, the track details her fighting spirit and love for life, despite the adversities she faced. It’s a deeply moving tribute to a woman who had no time for self-pity, but spent a lifetime pouring love into the world and helping others. Quinn contrasts his tender lyrical approach with a frenetic combination of acoustic guitar, electronics and dulcet saxophone tones, creating a musical representation of the complexities of living with Parkinson’s.

On the track, he shares: “This track is dedicated to my grandma, GK, who had Parkinson’s for almost as long as I can remember. She was cheated out of life experiences, but despite being born into unimaginably difficult circumstances and fighting for a life she was proud of, she didn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, she took it upon herself to learn every dark detail about the disease that was eating away at her, and focused her brilliant mind on helping others in any way they needed.”

South London-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist & producer Quinn Oulton is known for his unique concoction of electronic, indie and jazz. His recent releases bring contemporary RnB elements into the mix – expect heavily altered vocals, chopped acoustic guitars and fast-paced drums.

His debut album ‘Alexithymia’ was released in 2022, receiving national radio support from Gilles Peterson & Huey Morgan (6 Music), Jack Saunders & Sian Eleri (BBCR1), along with Jamie Cullum (BBCR2)& Jamz Supernova (BBC1Xtra). It includes tracks featuring Moses Boyd and Genevieve Artadi. The deluxe version of the album, released in 2023, features singers Ella Grace and Monica Martin, whilst recent singles have also seen him team up with the likes of Reuben James, Linden Jay and Col3trane. He has recently played supported artists including KNOWER, Laura Misch and Jamie Cullum, and is set to embark on his first UK headline tour this November.

Have a listen to ‘So Much More’ below…

Song of the Day: Girlfriend (London Girls Mix) – Äyanna

East London’s singer and songwriter ÄYANNA (pictured left) makes a bold return to her hit 2023 single ‘Girlfriend’ and enlists some of London’s finest ladies Mnelia (pictured right) and Tamera for a fresh new remix. The London Girls Mix sees the girls exchange lyrics and soaring vocals, riffing back and forth between each other about love and crushing. This latest release comes off the back of the In A Perfect World (Complete Set) that was released at the end of January, including all live and acapella versions and full visuals.

Speaking on the single, she shares: “Working with Tamera and Mnelia for the Girlfriend remix felt like such a no-brainer, because they are two ultra talented rnb artists in the uk who are fellow lover girls like myself. Our chemistry was perfect and the energy flowed in the studio. They both brought a different energy to the song which you can hear when you listen. I love how they added their own essence to the track whilst continuing the energy of vulnerability that the original version had.”

This remix follows Äyanna’s ground-breaking debut In A Perfect World EP released in Autumn 2023 via LVRN. The striking body of work arrived amidst a slew of early co-signs for the young artist from celebrated artists such Stormzy, Summer Walker, SPINALL to name a few. The towering body of work centred around her signature mosaic of pop, infused with R&B, soul and beyond quickly earned her large acclaim and established her own uncharted lane in music with support from Complex, The Independent, Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Teen Vogue, +44 Amazon, Spotify RADAR UK and more.

Äyanna first captured the attention of the internet and industry tastemakers, through her now viral home videos that showcased her vocal prowess. She now joins the ranks of celebrated LVRN artists such as 6LACK, Summer Walker, DVSN, Davido, SPINALL, Baby Tate and more. With the support of the groundbreaking label and collective, it’s undeniable that Äyanna will establish herself even further as a force in music and beyond. Why not check out ‘Girlfriend (London Girls Mix) below…

Song of the Day: L’s – Nemzzz

Lifted from his first mixtape ‘DO NOT DISTURB’, arriving on 15th March 2024, the new titan of UK Rap NEMZZZ gives the first taste from 11-track project with single ‘L’S’, produced by Zel & Aifo.

Over a relaxed drill beat shimmering with keys and smoky sax notes, Nemzzz reflects on his losses and how he holds his head above the noise of being a rising star in the industry. ‘L’S’ is the first glimpse of the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ mixtape concept, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘L’s’ is accompanied with a slick video shot entirely on 16mm film by frequent collaborators DON Productions. The fresh visual splices footage of Nemzzz at home with friends in Manchester with shots of him in London roaming around the city.

The ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ tape follows a massive 2023 for the young star with a consistent slate of releases including his debut EP Nemzzz Type Beat (which was pulled together in just 17 days in a flex of his innate talents) alongside a string of singles including ‘Therapy’ (Spotify Rap UK Cover), ‘MONEY & VIBES’ (A list at 1Xtra, over +1M streams a week) and ‘8AM IN MANNY’ which landed to props from some of the biggest rappers in the world – Drake and Lil Yachty. Last year saw Nemzzz deliver his first sold-out headline tour alongside performances at festivals including Glastonbury, Ibiza Rocks and more.

Nemzzz is one of the most exciting breakout rap talents of recent years, the rapper is characterised by his ear for leftfield beats and his unique flow. The rapper is shaped by his tough upbringing in Gorton, using his music to reflect on his experiences in Manchester and his mental health struggles.

Since bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 14, he has relentlessly chipped away at his craft – building steady buzz amongst the industry, media and fans alike. With over 180 million combined streams in 2023, mine million TikTok views, tips including BBC Radio 1xtra’s Hot For 2023, Amazon Music x Hunger Magazine Ones To Watch, No Signal Class of ’23, Best Newcomer Nominee MOBO Awards 2022, plaudits from Pitchfork, The Face, DAZED, The Guardian, HYPEBEAST, CLASH, Complex UK and NME – Nemzzz is making serious moves. Check out the video for L’s below…