Tag: indie artist

Hammer Shares EP ‘Swerve’ via Skylax Records

Northern Irish producer HAMMER shares his much-anticipated 4-track EP,’ Swerve’, on all major streaming platforms via Skylax Records.

Hammer, championed by the influential BICEP crew, has been making significant waves in the electronic music scene. With numerous EPs released on prominent labels such as Optimo Music, Sulta Selects, Shall Not Fade, and Feel My Bicep, his distinctive style has captivated a dedicated following within the leftfield and Italo-disco communities. His upcoming 12-inch release is set to ignite dance floors worldwide.

The EP kicks off with ‘Swerve,’ a track that channels the pure essence of BICEP’s iconic style. Rich, immersive soundscapes and dynamic compositions capture the spirit of the duo’s renowned productions, paying homage to the genre’s roots while pushing it forward.

Next is ‘Swivel,’ a genuine Italo-disco gem featuring lush, retro-infused synths and irresistible basslines. This track transports listeners to the heyday of the Italo-disco era, a genre that continues to influence and inspire contemporary electronic music.

The B-side opens with ‘Tbilisi’, a tribute to the vibrant electronic music scene in Tbilisi, Georgia. Hammer masterfully captures the essence of the scene, blending elements of techno, house, and avant-garde. This track showcases Hammer’s versatility and his ability to navigate different musical landscapes seamlessly.

The EP concludes with ‘Push Repeat,’ an electrifying track destined to be a hit on discerning dance floors. With driving beats, infectious melodies, and undeniable energy, Hammer’s mastery of groove and rhythm is on full display, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Reflecting on the EP, Hammer shares, “I was thrilled when Skylax loved the demos I sent over, especially since it’s a label I’ve admired since childhood. The EP offers a range of housey rollers that evoke rave memories, with darker disco vibes on the B-side.”

Hammer’s upcoming release on Skylax Records is nothing short of a masterstroke. It not only solidifies his position as a standout talent in the electronic music realm but also underscores Skylax’s commitment to delivering innovative and genre-defying sounds to discerning listeners. This EP is poised to become an essential addition to any music aficionado’s collection and a testament to the ever-evolving, boundary-pushing nature of contemporary electronic music.

Prepare to embark on a sonic journey through the mind of Hammer and experience the future of dance music. Have a listen to the EP below…

Must Listens: Swerve, Tbilisi

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qu shares debut album ‘where did the sun go’ via Kabul Fire Records

Vietnamese-German producer QU‘s debut album ‘where did the sun go’ is a 15-track sonic journey featuring notable collaborators including Serious Klein, Josh Kye, Malaya, Jay Prince, and Agajon.

Signed to Kabul Fire Records, founded by acclaimed producer Farhot, qu is set to make a significant impact with his highly anticipated debut album. He expertly crafts his own unique sound that takes listeners on a soulful journey rooted in hip hop, RnB, and jazz, while pushing the boundaries of conventional songwriting and arrangements. His debut album serves as a sonic mood board, introducing him as an artist first.

The 25-year-old’s path to producing and songwriting began with his training in classical guitar, which explains his affinity for organic instrumentation in his production, distinguishing him from typical beatmakers. qu’s artistic maturity on this debut project suggests a lifetime dedicated to music, though his journey has been anything but straightforward. Like many creative individuals from immigrant families, qu had to compromise, forgoing academic education for a music career and working at a Vietnamese restaurant to sustain his studio time. His album reflects years of tough decisions, dedication, and navigating the uncertainty of choosing music over traditional career paths, all while grappling with perfectionism and ambition

The album title ‘where did the sun go?’ encapsulates the multi-layered struggles of creating music in times where art is often a privilege. Despite moments of doubt and exhaustion, the music itself offers an answer: the cyclical nature of the sun’s presence and absence can produce meaningful art. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: volcano, oblivious,

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Afrobeat Sensation YXL Ayo unveils alluring love note, ‘Easy’

Produced and engineered by the illustrious Super Beats (Skeete, IAMDDB), YXL AYO‘s highly anticipated single, ‘Easy,’ takes listeners on an alluring journey navigating the complexities of modern love and desire. The track tells a vivid story of a woman eager to leave her troubled past behind, seeking salvation from our protagonist who, in turn, questions her true intentions with the poignant refrain, “Tell me why you want me to save you.”

YXL Ayo skilfully blends the rich textures of Alté with the smooth, emotive vibes of R&B. Super Beats’ production provides an intentionally minimalistic soundscape, creating space for Ayo’s introspective lyrics and evocative vocals. The track delves into the nuances of romantic pursuit and the yearning for genuine connection, challenging listeners to discern the difference between true affection and the desire for rescue.

Available on all major streaming platforms from last Thursday (27th June), ‘Easy’ is set to solidify YXL Ayo’s rising status in the Alté and Afro-R&B scene, as he delivers this irresistible record. Have a listen to the beauty below…

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Song of the Day: Leaves – Sann Rao

SANN RAO‘s latest offering, ‘Leaves’, is an introspective track that blends moody piano synths and punchy drums with soulful, expressive vocals, creating a vibe that’s both defiant and reflective. The song uses rich metaphors to express the superficiality and emptiness of certain figures in the music industry, while celebrating one’s authenticity and strong foundation. The song will be promoted with skits, a music video and short-form content.

“Leaves to me is about shallow relationships and the lack of authenticity in the music industry but also everyday life. (…) I talk about how I’m trying to live life differently to the people I’ve met and the meaningless interactions I’ve experienced.

(…) I want the listeners to have a better understanding of who I am as a person and I’d like them to see that I make music to contribute something truthful to the world” – Sann Rao

Sann Rao, a 27-year-old R&B sensation hailing from Surrey, UK, brings a unique and distinctive voice to the industry. Of Indian heritage, Sann’s vocal prowess is characterised by an impressive range that captivates audiences. His sound has earned him praise at open mic performances, where his hard work and dedication shine through.

Investing in his craft and driven by an unwavering belief in his talent, Sann is a relentless artist committed to pushing his musical boundaries. The singer-songwriter has garnered praise from both fellow musicians and new fans, who recognize his exceptional talent and eagerly anticipate his future releases.

In collaboration with BBC Radio Producer and frequent creative partner, Illatek, Sann Rao is building a lane for himself in the music landscape. Their latest release, ‘In 2 U,’ dropped mid December 2023 and has garnered over 9,000 listens on Spotify, contributing to their collective success of over 50,000 streams across their collaborations. The track made waves across the UK, with radio station shows such as BBC Radio and Kishmeister at Itch FM featuring the song in their rotations. Sann’s first official release, ‘Honest,’ which debuted in February 2024, has reached +15k streams on Spotify.

Currently under the representation of Oh Eight, a label and talent management services agency, Sann is poised to ascend to the next level of his musical journey. As he continues to evolve and enchant with his melodies, Sann Rao stands as a rising star in the R&B scene, leaving a mark on the industry with his one-of-a-kind voice and unwavering passion for the art.

Listen to ‘Leaves’ below…

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Birmingham Artist Lyco Returns With New Single ‘Crème De La Crème’ ft. Camidoh

The UK and Africa come together for a beautiful blending of sounds for LYCO and CAMIDOH‘s new single ‘Crème de la Crème’.

Nigerian born, UK raised singer/songwriter Lyco has been steadily releasing singles such as ‘Ice N Rum’ and ‘Gucci’ with artists such as Lotto Boyzz, Sneakbo, Ivorian Doll and 2Face, building a reputation for his melodic, smooth tracks.

His new single is a flavoursome, sexy, Summer sizzler with Lyco and Camidoh bringing Afrobeats vibes. Weaving in-between lyrics smoothly for a beautiful, mesmerising single, the two artists vocals fit perfectly together.

Lyco says on the track: “Creme de la Creme is a double edge sword. On one hand to the listener that isn’t paying full attention and is just enjoying beautiful melodies it’s a light-hearted summer song. On the other hand those who really take in what I’m saying will immediately feel the sensual nature of the adult themes I’m trying to describe with nuance. Truly the best of both worlds.”

LYCO is a multi-genre singer-songwriter hailing from Birmingham, United Kingdom. Being Nigerian born LYCO has been able to concoct beautiful new dramatic flavours into Afrobeat universe. He has written for the likes of Steff London, Ivorian Doll and Birmingham’s own Lotto Boyzz.

LYCO has also found massive success on the Tik Tok platform amassing over 100,000 followers through his comedy and documentary skits which has expanded his fanbase globally preparing the way for international success on all fronts.

Former known from Birmingham’s “LYCO X WXYNE” duo, LYCO has branched out in pursuit of a solo career to further express and deliver ground-breaking melodies that will transcend the Afrobeats movement both locally and abroad.

Listen to ‘Crème de la Crème’ below…

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