OUT TODAY: The Grand Cru share single, ’17’

If you were going to ask what songwriting team have individually toured the world  performing, written for The Korgis, Cliff Richard, Slash, Meatloaf, had their songs  played on BBC Radio 2, supported Celine Dion, played Jesus on the West End stage, performed sell out shows in theatres around the UK, have won some of the most prestigious songwriting awards in the world and now are writing a song about feeling 17 again! There would only be one name on that list… THE GRAND CRU!

International songwriting team The Grand Cru (comprising of Welsh and American talent) have a brand new single waiting to be embraced by the listeners entitled ’17’ (featuring The Grand Cru member Darren Parry on lead vocal duties) which comes from their 8 track album… ‘September 11 – Music To Heal Your Soul’.

This catchy, memorable, upbeat, Country/Americana influenced track was co-written between three well known Welsh male singer/songwriters and a sassy, female US (Floridian) songwriter.

The Grand Cru includes ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead, Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard) and ex member of  The Story’s and Balsamo/Deighton. Also on ‘The Cru’ is multi-award winning Welsh singer/songwriter Darren Parry, who’s a former UK Songwriting Contest winner, Billboard, Unisong, ISSA and USA Song Of The Year award winner (who has co-written with The Korgis, Dan and Laura Curtis and others). The third Welshman is Rhondda’s multi-talented Lee Gilbert who is an acclaimed singer /actor. His 25 year career has spanned from theatre, radio and TV work which runs alongside his very busy music career.

The fourth member and brainchild of ‘The Cru’ is Florida based Bonnie Skop, whose family has a long history in music; including her Dad managing Ted Nugent and Bob Seger in their early days! The Grand Cru get their name from the French words… meaning “a wine of the most superior grade”. These songwriters are certainly that!

Darren says of the latest offering: “Steve, Lee, Bonnie and I wrote “17” predominantly on Zoom over the last 6 months or so, we wanted it to have an all American kinda feel to it”. Darren continues: ”We wanted to write something that encapsulated the excitement and emotion of falling in love as a teenager, reminiscing about a time gone by when love captured your heart and the emotions of youth”.

’17’ is the second single from their album following on from single, ‘I Was There’, which was shown on the big screen for the National Guard (EANGUS) 9/11 Remembrance  Gala at The One World Trade Centre building in New York on 11th Sept this year  for a star – studded event, hosted by Kelsey Grammer (Frasier).

’17’ is was released today (8th November) on all good music platforms. Have a listen below…

Connect with The Grand Cru via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/the-grand-cru-61565108634490/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_grand_cru_songwriters_/

HANDSHAKE IN SPACE release new single ‘We Just Wanna Feel Alive’.

Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is back with a new, energetic offering that promises to set the emotions in motion. The new single, ‘We Just Wanna Feel Alive’, is an anthem for anyone who lives for the moment and enjoys life.

With a catchy chorus that puts into words the feeling we all long for, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE highlights the positivity and playfulness of living in the moment:

“We just wanna feel alive, sippin’ on the good vibes

Livin’ for the moment, no need to rewind

Chill vibes, good times, under the city lights”

The song combines nice chill-out beats with a lovely whistling melody that sticks right in your head and creates an easy, euphoric atmosphere. The single is a perfect mix of electronic soundscapes and autumnal vibes that make listeners want to let go of all worries and just enjoy the moment.

With previous successes such as ‘You’re My Melody’ and ‘The colors dance upon my skin’ in the bag, expectations are high for HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s latest work. ‘We Just Wanna Feel Alive’ is expected to cement the artist’s position in the Swedish EDM scene and potentially reach an even wider audience internationally.

The new single was released on Friday (25th October on all major streaming platforms and is expected to become a new favourite on dance floors and playlists worldwide. Have a listen below…

Connect with HANDSHAKE IN SPACE via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/handshakeinspace
IG: https://www.instagram.com/handshake_in_space
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handshakeinspace

OUT TODAY: Dr Adaku gets in touch with her roots in single, ‘Egwu Ukwu (Waist Dance)’ ft. Nigerian legend Flavour

Rising British-Nigerian Afro-fusion singer DR ADAKU has teamed up with countryman and ‘African Royalty’, Flavour (N’abania), for her new single, ‘Egwu Ukwu (Waist Dance).’ The infectious track is a testament to the joy and beauty of the diaspora connecting with and celebrating their roots.

‘Egwu Ukwu (Waist Dance)’ is three minutes of heritage, pride and universal elation – with captivating rhythms sounding throughout. The multifaceted PhD holder and artist, Dr Adaku, is of Igbo-Nigerian descent, as is Flavour. As they glide between English and their native Igbo language, the song is layered with energetic verses and warming harmonies, with cheerful melodies that translate effortlessly to all ears.

Raised in London, Dr Adaku continues to develop her career intentionally experimenting a range of African genres, from her Afrobeats and R&B-infused debut song ‘Jisike’ (2020), to her Amapiano-inspired latest track ‘No Evidence’ (2024). Now, she teams up with Igbo-Nigerian legend Flavour, widely known for decades worth of hits, including ‘Nwa Baby’ (2005), ‘Oyi’ (2012), ‘Game Changer (Dike)’ (2023), and ‘Big Baller’ (2023).

The ‘Egwu Ukwu’ is a traditional dance of the Igbo people, native to southeastern Nigeria, known for elaborate footwork and energetic movements. Performed during celebrations, it exemplifies the cultural heritage and communal spirit of the Igbo people, with dancers moving to the rhythm of traditional music and drumming. The track allows listeners to visualise such festivities, while it symbolises maintaining a close connection to one’s heritage. The sentiment is not limited to just to Nigerians, but to all diaspora children that may struggle with identity nuances and challenges that come with being of dual nationality.

Later this summer, Dr Adaku will be an opening act during Flavour’s concert at the OVO Arena Wembley on August 25. Flavour has toured and performed worldwide, with Dr Adaku set to build on her attention-grabbing performances at Koko Camden and Albert Hall in Manchester, as well as renowned Nigerian venue Eko Hotels & Suite.

Commenting on the new single, Dr Adaku said: “Growing up, my culture has always been important to me, thanks to my parents who surrounded me with the rich traditions of our heritage. ‘Let’s Dance’ is all about prioritising good vibes and celebrating wins in all shapes and sizes. After working with Flavour to write the track and, thanks to Selebobo’s wonderful production, I’m hopeful this song will be a summer anthem – perfect for everyone to get outside and dance! I can’t wait to perform it live at Flavour’s show at the OVO Arena Wembley in August and share such a beautiful piece of our culture with everyone.”

Listen to ‘Egwu Ukwu (Waist Dance)’ below…

Connect with Dr Adaku via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dradaku/?hl=en
TikTok: https://x.com/dradaku
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt7yJ0sKYaw1i-a0hcgPoaw

Song of the Day: Outside -IZ

Rapper IZ comes through onto today’s top spot with a monumental, catchy, party single for the Summer ‘Outside’ released on RCA Records.

Following on from single ‘Big Dreams’ at the top of the year which is sitting on over a huge 2 ½ million streams on Spotify alone, IZ has set the pace for his future music.

A party rap track set to hit the clubs and festivals for the Summer, IZ brings the heat with his new scorching sizzler of a track. With a banger of a hook, IZ proves with ‘Outside’ he can bring the more light-hearted tracks whilst keeping his hard bars flowing.

“Outside is about enjoying yourself and in indulging in all the fun and crazy activities that make up a summer holiday. The track is based around the fact that a single lady will have more fun in summer and can do whatever makes her happy and think about herself and herself alone.” – IZ

Produced by Cassell Beats & K Beats, ‘Outside’ is taken from his outstanding debut mixtape, which will include 10 tracks showcasing IZ’s signature style and flow coupled with old skool hip hop beats.

Check out the summer anthem below…

Song of the Day: Limon – Hibachi x Image x Sandy

Visionary producer HIBACHI‘s explosive soulful single ‘LIMON,’ features Spanish/UK R&B artist SANDY and the multifaceted American rapper and actor, IMAGE, known for his role in the Netflix series Sex Education.

Sandy, a 20-year-old singer, songwriter, and pianist hailing from London, delivers heartfelt lyrics and a soothing voice aimed at providing solace during uncertain times. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, including classical piano training and contemporary R&B and soul artists like Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., and SiR, Sandy’s music navigates themes of transition and adaptation in the face of change. Her compositions resonate with those experiencing the challenges of adjusting to new environments, offering a sense of connection during moments of isolation.

Image’s journey originates from the streets of Baltimore City, where music served as his refuge from a challenging environment. Through his music, he shares his experiences growing up amidst adversity and his aspirations for the future. With a desire to connect with audiences on a personal level, Image channels his past struggles and hopes for the future into his compositions, inviting listeners to join him on his musical journey.

Emerging producer Hibachi, originally from Tanzania, is making a significant impact in the UK music scene with his unique fusion of Hip Hop, Dance, R&B, and Afrobeat. Distinguishing himself from the mainstream by blending elements of House, R&B, Hip Hop, and Afrobeat, Hibachi’s sound has attracted attention from distributors such as AWAL CORE. Teaming up the three London-based artists Hibachi, Sandy and Image are collectively aiming to energize listeners with their collaborative single… have a listen below…