Tik Tok Sensation Lubalin Debuts New Single, ‘Long Txts’

LUBALIN has debuted his new single ‘Long Txts’, a smooth genre-bending hip-hop track – written and produced by the self-taught Montreal-based creator and artist – who writes, composes, produces, and records all of his own music.

On the release of his new single, ‘Long Txts,’ Lubalin shares: “Sometimes we try to simplify complicated things, and in the end, it only makes them more complicated. The song starts out clean and tidy, reflecting this desire to keep everything simple. But it won’t hold for long. By the time we reach the chorus, the song is erupting. The chorus is so eager to explode that it comes in a whole measure early.”

At the close of 2020, Lubalin skyrocketed to viral TikTok fame overnight thanks to his two original Internet Drama videos (here and here) that have amassed 53 million views, 12.8 million likes, and gained him 1.8 million followers on the platform in only a matter of weeks.

Stay tuned for much more to come from the multi-talented artist who is planning a series of new releases for 2021, including singles, EPs, and videos.

‘Long Txts’, is now available on all digital streaming platforms now via Cult Nation/The Orchard. Check it out below…

Alex Bent + The Emptiness Explores Long Distance Relationships With ‘2Sides’

Talking about long distance relationships, ALEX BENT + THE EMPTINESS starts the year with new single, ‘2Sides’, an euphoric blend of mixing his own twist of alt-rock nostalgia with current trends of hip-hop.

Made in isolation, Bent wrote and recorded the song at The Store, a community-run underground recording studio kept at an undisclosed location.

Produced with Santhoshblur,
‘2sides’ is the first taste from Canadian singer/songwriter’s upcoming sophomore album and acts as a bridge between his new sound and his 2019 debut, ‘Baby’.

Watch the video for ‘2sides’ below…

 

Surya Shares His Most Personal Song To Date, ‘U ME WE’

Named as one the new best artists of 2018 by BBC Introducing, SURYA‘s latest track, ‘U ME WE’, is probably his most personal work to date. Over a soothing acoustic soul R&B setting, baring strong influences from the likes of Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake, The Neptunes and D’Angelo, the track gives an insight into his childhood in Chennai and relocation to London, taking baby steps towards building a legacy as a musician.

‘U ME WE’, follows Surya’s independent album, ‘Adolessence’ – recorded whist at university – and two singles. All of his releases were featured on BBC introducing as well as receiving attention from major online music tastemakers including We Plug Good Music, Acid Stag and Mystic Sons.

Be to tune in as Surya is shooting visuals for this track with the help of fellow YCUK members, a UK-based creative collective, featuring some of the best up and coming talent in film, music and design.

For now, listen to Surya’s irresistible single below…

Listen To Lokoy’s And Nils Bech’s Single, ‘Relay’, Ahead Of Debut Album

Norwegian artist, producer and creative maverick LOKOY‘s new single, ‘Relay’ (with Nils Bech) is a dazzling polyrhythmic pop cut incorporating African-inspired percussion and sampled Icelandic church choirs.

Lyrically the track addresses the complicated emotions and insecurities surrounding self-confidence. Speaking on the meaning behind ‘Relay’, Lokoy said: “The lyrics place me in the centre of a huge stadium surrounded by spectators. It’s just before I’m going to run a relay race and I’m regretting signing up for it. I wanted that imagery to mirror the insecurity I sometimes feel for my own appearance and the constant comparison/competition I have towards myself and others around me. I believe this feeling is quite common, and something many people experience. I want to appear as good as the others in the room, and when I can’t, it feels like a loss. “I went the wrong way, you went the runway” shows this constant comparison and the feeling that you are never quite good enough compared to others.”

‘Relay’ serves as the final taster from Lokoy’s debut album ‘badminton’, coming out this Friday, 22nd January, via Lokoy (under exclusive license to Propeller Recordings).

Have a listen below…

 

Song of the Day: Clouds – INEZ (ft. Clara Kent)

Proud Homewood resident and Pittsburgh native INEZ uses music as a tool to navigate her life. Releasing her debut LP, ‘Voicemails and Conversations’ in December 2019, she follows the project with lead single, Clouds’ – accompanied by a dreamy set of visuals.

A late night groove, ‘Clouds’ is filled with soulful vocals and shimmering synth patterns – whisking you away into a smoky paradise. Richly romantic, “‘Clouds’ is about the newness of a potential courtship, where you are both vulnerable yet open to the possibility and bliss of what could be”

Born to two musical parents, INEZ quickly developed an intense love for the artform. Studying at Berklee College of Music, she prides herself in being a musical polymath – singing, producing, arranging, songwriting, drumming and audio engineering. These skills coalesced into LP, ‘Voicemails and Conversations’ – an audio diary of her navigation of love and growth as a Black woman.

Since its release, INEZ has been featured on NPR Weekend Edition, Bandcamp Daily, and most recently headlined City Theater’s Drive-In Arts Festival. With every release, INEZ hopes to continue using her gifts to uplift, love and create space for Black femmes and women worldwide.

‘Clouds’ is out on all download and streaming sites…check out the video for the mesmerising number below…