Tag: indie artist

Song of the Day: P.L.L – Karen Nyame KG

One year on from her acclaimed 2022 heater ‘Taboo’ and 2021’s sun-soaked Sensei II EP, ‘Goddess of Rhythm’ KAREN NYAME KG shares single, ‘P.L.L’ (Pretty Little Liar) with the announcement of her new imprint, Rhythm In The City.

A lush and luxurious slice of deep Afro-house, drawing on her experiences with the darker side of romance, KG describes the track as, “a diary entry in music format”. Unafraid to dive deep with soul-baring productions, in her own words, ‘P.L.L’ is darker in mood, an electronic, low-end, Afro Percussive bounce. It is a tale of heartbreak, jealousy and unrequited love.”

Self-described as “a party for the grown and sexy”, Rhythm in the City began life as an event, carefully curated by Karen herself. Developing into a sell-out event series, the strong community around RITC is a testament to Karen’s bold creative vision and her much sought-after sonics. The evolution of the platform into a label, (Rhythm in the City / RITC Records), was a no-brainer – the label sonically is a reflection of Karen Nyame KG and the parties – it’s all about soul, percussive bounce, mood and melody. In her own words,”it will make you dance, seduce, but better yet, feel.”

Karen adds, “RITC is an extension of my own production signature that embodies a multitude of styles, UK Funky, Altè r&b, Afro Altè, Gqom, Amapiano, Highlife, Afro House. The RITC sound is unconventionally rhythmic, a hub for genre-bending, Afro-Electronic music. The label is all about breaking conventions and formulas in electronic dance music.” Due for release on her own imprint, the anticipated Red EP is a sentimental, candid insight to KG’s deepest musings on romance, passion and lust.

Returning in 2018 after a break from the music industry, KG has been in the scene for over a decade and has become an iconic name. Adored globally across diasporic and electronic spheres she stands out from the crowd with her sensual, melodic sonics, and penchant for groove-laden sounds that sit at the intersection of UK club music and the sounds of African diaspora.

2022 saw Karen mark the end of summer with her sizzling single ‘Taboo’, tipped by COMPLEX, DJ Mag and The Wire in their best tracks for 2022. This year, she flexed her A&R hands, enlisting the mighty Afrotech pioneer DJ IC, and Batido maestro, Vanyfox to create two huge remixes for ‘Taboo’.

In 2021, Karen stunned faithful followers and new fans alike with the glorious EP Sensei II (Black Acre Records), featuring the widely-celebrated sound of the summer, ‘Koko’ (reaching over 2 million streams) and with support from Resident Advisor, Mixmag, DJ Mag, Pan African Music and more, Sensei II truly reignited the flame for her. Truly dedicated to her craft, Karen Nyame KG continues to reach new heights as her creative and personal evolution continues.

‘P.L.L’ is the first offering from her forthcoming EP, Red, and marks another step in the British-Ghanaian polymath’s journey. Have a listen below…

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Song of the Day: Love Lies – Julissa Brandi

JULISSA BRANDI, an emerging talent in the realm of R&B and pop music, is thrilled to announce the release of her debut single, ‘Love Lies,’ her first project with new label Livestarr Music Group. This captivating track, which marries her powerful and hypnotic voice with timeless R&B sounds, serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of love in one’s life, reminiscent of the soulful classics of the mid-’90s.

“‘Love Lies’ is a labor of love that I’ve poured my heart and soul into,” Julissa Brandi excitedly shared about her debut single. “It’s a song that speaks to both the good and bad that love can bring into our lives. I hope my music connects with listeners on a personal level and brings them the same joy it has brought me.”

Hailing from the heart of South Carolina, Julissa Brandi currently splits her time between South and North Carolina. With a passion for music that has been ingrained in her since she was just five years old, she boasts a multifaceted musical talent that extends beyond her enchanting vocals. Alongside her ability to sing like an angel, Julissa is also a proficient pianist and guitarist. Her journey through the world of music began in church and school choirs during her formative years, and she has received training in classical, theatrical, and operatic styles.

Julissa Brandi‘s unique blend of R&B and pop, coupled with her striking charisma, has been met with swift acclaim from audiences and industry professionals alike. ‘Love Lies’ is just the first in a series of releases that promise to showcase her boundless potential and artistic depth.

A dedicated new fan had this to say about Love Lies’ in a five-star review, “Julissa’s voice is truly a gift to the music world. ‘Love Lies’ is a mesmerizing blend of soulful lyrics and unforgettable music. It’s a song that speaks to the depths of the heart.” Have a listen below…

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John Alone tackles love and isolation in highly-anticipated album, ‘No one is coming to save you’

With radio and editorial support from the likes of Jamz Supernova of BBC 1Xtra acclaim, US publication Ones To Watch, NTS, Dummy, KissFM, Wordplay Magazine and Wonderland, it is clear that the eyes and ears of the music industry are firmly on the nascent R&B superstar JOHN ALONE . After over a year of teasing and speculation, the trailblazing alternative artist has finally released his latest full length effort, ‘No one is coming to save you’.

The 18-track collection goes on the journey of love and isolation, loss and salvation, while proudly answers the cry for uniqueness and individuality in a sea of ever evolving musical norms that will be appeal to fans of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd.

‘No one is coming to save you’ is as multi-layered and unfiltered as the artist himself. John has left no stone unturned, no feeling unexplored and no theme undiscussed, choosing to bare it all for his growing fanbase. Why not check it out below…

Must Listens: go2hell, indira, PLACE, faawud, Lord’s Prayer, what a life

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Song of the Day: Butter – Vessna Scheff

Beginning her artist career in San Francisco, VANESSA SCHEFF began playing ukulele after acquiring one from a thrift store for $14. Inspired by personal stories of growth and interpersonal relationships, she began writing intimate music and playing live throughout the San Francisco Bay Area at venues such as the Bazaar Cafe, The Fillmore, The Hotel Utah, and The Lost Church. In 2014, she began experimenting with visual art, utilizing projections in her musical performances and collaborating with dancers and poets in interdisciplinary performance.

In 2015, Scheff moved to the East Coast where she met and began collaborating with Lee Clarke, a Philadelphia based music producer. While in Philadelphia, she performed at venues, galleries and museums such as Johnny Brenda’s, World Cafe Live, Boot & Saddle, Urban Art Gallery, The Barnes Museum, The Affordable Art Fair, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. In spring of 2022, she graduated with an MFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design, and is currently writing and recording her debut album titled ‘Nevermind the Moon,’ inspired by Adult Skate Nights pairing 80’s beats with 90’s R&B vocal melodies in a celebratory call for intimate connection.

Her single off this forthcoming album, ‘BUTTER’, possesses mesmerizing vocal harmonies, shimmering 90’s to early 2000’s synths, and an 80’s club backbeat, which drops you right into the feeling of swooning when you see your crush under the disco ball at the roller rink.

“This song is inspired by a desire to feel playful, fun, sexy, and confident while navigating being a caregiver during the pandemic. I wrote ‘BUTTER’ inspired by Adult Skate Night (unofficially known as Black skate night at rinks throughout the U.S.) as a dreamscape of the freedom found on the rink” Vessna says.

Together with her collaborator Lee Clarke, Scheff builds an electrifying current glistening with the anticipation and rush of pushing off the rink wall, and gliding into your confidence. Have a listen to ‘BUTTER’ below…

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Handshake In Space returns with another dance floor banger ‘Rise Up’

HANDSHAKE IN SPACE, the enigmatic and boundary-pushing force within the Swedish EDM landscape, is poised to astound music enthusiasts worldwide with their latest release, ‘Rise Up.’ Collaborating once again with the captivating and soulful vocalist Linnsy, the track promises to be a sonic masterpiece that transcends genre boundaries and ignites a new wave of energy in the electronic music realm.

‘Rise Up’ is an auditory adventure that delivers an exhilarating blend of pulsating rhythms, ethereal melodies, and Linnsy’s mesmerizing vocals. HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s ability to seamlessly fuse complex production with emotive storytelling shines brilliantly in this single. Linnsy’s evocative voice weaves through the track like a thread of emotion, adding a layer of depth that resonates with listeners long after the music fades.

This release is a testament to HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s dedication to crafting sonic experiences that leave an indelible impact. “Rise Up” is poised to join the ranks of their previous critically acclaimed releases, further solidifying their position as a trailblazer within the electronic music landscape.

Turn up those speaker and have a listen to ‘Rise Up below…

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