Tackling the issue of male mental health, NTHN presents his latest album titled ‘Delta’. Written, produced and recorded by the Runcorn producer/artist himself, NTHN takes us through various stages of his own rollercoaster journey with mental health…
Barely audible airy soundscapes coupled with loops of daunting voices starts the turmoil journey with ‘Aware’ which leads on to feather light bed of electronica/pop backdrop which is almost overshadowed by a jarring bass through efforts, ‘Denial’ and ‘Falling’.
The sole presence of the woeful piano (in ‘Wasting Time’) replaces the alarming drive, before the album ventures into the realms of bluesy hip-hop/emo rap and grunge/metal (think along the lines of Nirvana). ‘Delta’ concludes with tranquil layers of feathery light electronica through ’03:35′, which reflects NTHN’s road to recovery to self acceptance and love.
It’s great to see such issues – such as male mental health – becoming less of a social taboo. Although this album is NTHN’s personal journey, it’s also a sign of encouragement for others to break down the wall of shame and loneliness (two most common feelings that are associated with this issue) and reach out for help.
Have a listen to ‘Delta’ below and view the song recommendations below…
It’s been a long 4-year stint since South London Hip-Hop artist, AKS, released his sophomore EP, ‘Train of Thought’, seeing the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Earmilk, HipHopDX, DJ Booth and the MOBO Awards among the tastemakers who added their plaudits for the seminal record. The offering went on to earn the rapper two nominations at the inaugural Unsigned Music Awards (Best Record, Best Urban Act) as well as giving him viral moments with his Chas Appeti directed visual efforts for singles ‘Stay with Me’ featuring Sincerely Wilson, and title track ‘Train of Thought’, both being picked up by UNILAD.
Now with the close of 2020 fast approaching and against the backdrop of the current world climate the “three-letter man” returns with his new soul infused single ‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’, an aspirational offering appealing to each of our underlying ambitions.
Merging unconventional organ phrases with lush and vibrant guitar licks throughout, the track plays as an ode to the jazz greats of yesteryear; fusing traditional musicianship with the off kilter syncopated bounce of contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul. Continuing his previous form as a genuine lyricist, AKS weaves together thought rich rhyme schemes whilst delivering a soulfully melodic vocal in a way that is easily becoming the calling card of the South London native.
Exploring themes of dogged determination and new found responsibility, the passion driven track displays AKS’ lyrical ability as he pens painfully frank verses professing his recent frustrations, the pressures of becoming a new father and questions surrounding legacy.
AKS
Speaking further about the inspiration behind ‘Up And Up (Heavens Above)’, AKS says, “Following the birth of my son, having taken some time away from music in the lead up to his arrival and in the time since, I found myself questioning my existence and contributions both from a parental and an artistic perspective. This song was born out of a desire to do better for my son’s sake and ascend irrespective of the obstacles I may face or how low I’ve felt at times. It’s my reminder to myself of my hopes and dreams, that my contributions are long lasting and impactful, at the very least, on my son”.
‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’ is the first single taken from his forthcoming project ‘As Plane As Day: Departures & Arrivals’, which concludes the wordsmith’s three-part ‘Modes of Transport’ series, the record sees the rapper award himself production credits under the veiled moniker #3Letters, whilst enlisting the collaborative efforts of prominent musicians Adrian Remedy (Ed Sheeran) on guitars, Benjamin Muralt (Ledisi, Ill Camille, Pixie Lott) on bass, and AdeKeys (AfroB) on keyboards.
With chilled-back afterhours R&B/hip-hop vibes, Michigan’s singer/rapper/songwriter JUNII steps into the Song of the Day spotlight with track, ‘Mileage’.
After his debut appearance on the blog with single ‘Trust the Process, Leicester’s hip-hop artist STRIZZY STRAUSS, invites us into a captivating and gritty visual narrative (starring Corey Trevor and Hannah Batra) supported by his trademark vivid storytelling through ‘Driven’, featuring SunSun.
The latest single from the album, Trust the Process, is a downbeat and introspective production where Strizzy Strauss deviates from bog-standard rap music videos and takes us on a journey to observe the elation, breakdown and troubles facing a couple all while lyrically reflecting on relationship dynamics.
Here’s your chance to check out the video for single below, directed by Fraser West (WeTheConspirators)
Ahead of the release of debut album ‘Badminton’, Norwegian futuristic artist and producer LOKOY (aka Lasse Lokøy) shares new single ‘Both Eyes’ with fellow Norwegian Safario, with an accompanying video shot on a tiny propeller aeroplane.
Perfectly exemplifying Lokoy’s experimental songwriting and production, and putting Safario’s raw talent on full display, ‘Both Eyes’ was written, recorded and mixed in just eights hours in Lokoy’s home studio. Determined to make a “banger” one day prior to the album delivery deadline, the resulting track is a feisty two-minute attack on the senses sitting somewhere between Blur and Beastie Boys.
Out now on all download and streaming sites, ‘Both Eyes’ sets the tone for Lokoy’s album ‘Badminton’, slated for release on 22nd January 2021, via Lokoy (under exclusive license to Propeller Recordings). Check out the video for the single below…
Tackling the issue of male mental health, NTHN presents his latest album titled ‘Delta’. Written, produced and recorded by the Runcorn producer/artist himself, NTHN takes us through various stages of his own rollercoaster journey with mental health…
New Lease Music 