Tag: indie artist

Song of the Day: I’m Climbing – Ericka Nicole Malone

‘I’m Climbin”, is the powerful lead song from NAACP winning ERICKA NICOLE MALONE‘s documentary The Bucketwish. The song is a cathartic release, ushering in an era of abundance for Ericka Nicole Malone as ‘I’m Climbin” is a reminder to take the reins and set the course in pursuit of our wildest dreams.

The single lends its unique R&B meets neo-soul sound to songwriter Ericka Nicole Malone and producer Printz Board, a Grammy Award winner and co-writer of the anthemic ‘Where Is The Love?’ from the iconic music group, Black Eyed Peas. Malone’s soul-striking vocals collide over earthy bass lines and emboldening cascades of piano, offering listeners a profound and transcendent musical experience.

Ericka shares, “I penned “I’m Climbin’” as a lead song on the soundtrack to The Bucketwish because I want people to remember who they are and to keep climbing up the stairs of life to different levels no matter how hard it gets.”

Ericka is an NAACP award-winning filmmaker and songwriter who works to elevate female voices and creatives of color. Her new documentary, The Bucketwish is about pursuing unexplored passions, reminding viewers that it’s never too late to start a new journey. It is an intimate profile on Malone’s story, fears, and impending future ahead.

Listen to ‘I’m Climbin” below…

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The reveal of HANDSHAKE IN SPACE: Stefan Halling, the Anonymous Swedish EDM artist

“I lift the lid on my mental illness and in some way I hope I can help others.”

The identity behind the anonymous Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE has been revealed. The artist is none other than Stefan Halling, born in 1967 in Huddinge, Stockholm and now living in Rättvik.

The news spread after his daughter Nathalie posted a video on social media some time ago in which she talks about his inspiring mental journey over the past four years.

Four years ago, at the beginning of the pandemic, Stefan Halling was hit by several major difficulties. He first lost his father and shortly afterwards his job. These losses resulted in a long period of deep depression, panic attacks and dark thoughts. For a while the future seemed uncertain and very dark to Stefan.

Despite this difficult period, two years ago Stefan started creating music together with other creative people. Through music, he found a way to express his feelings and process his experiences. With the support of close friends and his dear family, he has slowly but surely regained his well-being and is now in a much better place in life.

In her video, daughter Nathalie shares the mental journey her father has undergone and points out how important it is to talk about mental illness in order to reduce the stigma surrounding it and supporting those who struggle.

Only now does Stefan feel that he is mature enough to start talking about his experiences and highlight the importance of seeking help when you feel bad. Through his music and his story, Stefan hopes to inspire others and show that there is hope even in the darkest moments.

Stefan Halling, under the pseudonym HANDSHAKE IN SPACE, has touched many with his music and his story is a strong example that it is possible to get through difficult times with support and creativity.

To check out HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s discography, head right here.

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

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Soul/indie rock singer ALBA shares debut EP, ‘Questions Unanswered’

British-Spanish singer-songwriter ALBA‘s debut EP, ‘Questions Unanswered’, is a conceptual collection that goes on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, while delivering ALBA’s signature blend of guitar-driven pop-rock infused with sunlit soul and R&B. From to the inward-looking musings of ‘Am I enough?’ to the empowering feminist anthem in ‘Are you really free?’, the EP explores topics such as love, authenticity, self-liberation, societal expectations, and the search for meaning.

The EP has been produced by ALBA and rising star edbl, and recorded at Europe’s first solar-powered studio “The Premises”, with a special contribution from the London African Gospel Choir.

To celebrate the release of ‘Questions Unanswered’ ALBA will be having an EP Launch Party at The Old Blue Last in London, UK on 13th July. Get your tickets here.

‘Questions Unanswered’, out now for your pleasure across various music platforms. In addition to the digital release, ALBA has shared an exclusive limited vinyl edition of 100 numbered copies – so grab a copy while you have the chance!

Why not check it out below…

Must Listen: What If?

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Handshake In Space captures friendship and magical moments of summer in single, ‘You’re My Cheerleader’.

HANDSHAKE IN SPACE, the prominent Swedish EDM artist, is back with a new single that promises to rock the summer. ‘You’re My Cheerleader,’ with its infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics, is released last Wednesday, (19th June) and offers an uplifting and energetic experience for all music lovers.

The new single tells a story of love and friendship, with lyrics that capture the essence of the magical moments of summer, delivering a sonic masterpiece that transcends boundaries and captures the essence of love in its purest form. The track’s infectious energy and uplifting melodies are sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners, reaffirming HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s position as a trailblazer in the world of EDM.

With their distinctive sound and strong songwriting, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE promises that ‘You’re My Cheerleader’ will be the anthem of the summer. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. Have a listen below…

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Grete shares her beautifully raw EP, ‘Grey’

Lithuania-born, Manchester-based artist GRETE has perfected her own brand of alt-pop – culminating in the fresh, unique and exciting 5 track EP that is ‘Grey’.

While the EP successfully executes a huge variety of musical styles and each song is entirely distinct and standalone, there are several themes that span across the tracklist, tying ‘Grey’ together and turning it into a cohesive, emotionally vulnerable story. Each song focuses on a different low point in Grete’s
past, conveyed through cuttingly honest lyrics and reinforced by moody, mesmerising and sometimes even manic instrumentation.

Grete’s debut single, ‘With u’ is a hybrid of many different popular styles including RnB, jazz and pop, akin to influences such as Yebba and Maro. The live instrumentation invokes a warm, emotional sensation and the dynamic vocals encapsulate the intended emotion perfectly. ‘With u’ is a heartfelt ballad in which Grete is comparing her current life to a previous time.

Second single, ‘How Long’ progresses into a darker, more twisted space. This is brought to life by dissonant chords, biting and distorted guitar leads and Grete’s soaring vocals. The track is punctuated with glitchy details and electronic sparkles, complimenting the instruments and contributing to the cosmic scale of the song.

Grete’s latest single, Cz u don’t’ is a forward thinking, experimental yet vulnerable track influenced by artists like Halsey and Hiatus Kaiyote. The song winds through various sections with a beat in 7 as the backdrop, culminating in a whole-band-polyrhythm to end. The protagonist of ‘Cz u don’t’ is searching for reasons to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Grete started singing when she was only three years old, beginning her performance career in small ensembles and bands. She was quickly spotted and invited to the biggest stages in the country, such as nationally broadcasted competitions, top level musical theatre productions, international concerts and contests, even reaching the finals of ‘The Voice’ Lithuania 2018. Gaining local fame opened many doors for function gigs and session work but that was not the career she truly wanted to pursue.

Grete chose to leave Lithuania and start fresh in the UK. Now she is studying pop music vocals in RNCM. Influenced by artists like Jazmine Sullivan, The Weeknd and Yebba, she began writing vocally colourful and harmonically intricate songs with strong messages and old R&B references.

Why not have a listen to Grete’s stunning EP below…

Must Listens: How Long, With u, colder Summer

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