Song of the Day: Place To Be – Sarah Louise

The idyllic runs of the piano keys in SARAH LOUISE‘s latest single, ‘Place To Be’, immediately transports you to a place of warmth and familiarity. Within an intimate, meditative setting, the Suffolk-based singer-songwriter’s soothing vocals offers a comforting reminder to pause life’s chaos and seek solace – whether it’s under a cuddly duvet or immersed in the quiet beauty of nature. It’s a gentle invitation to breathe, reflect, and just be.

Sarah Louise understands that need deeply. During a moment of feeling completely overwhelmed, she took a spontaneous drive to a peaceful spot in nature, where she parked her car and watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon. In a moment of stillness, inspiration struck—and the first verse of ‘Place To Be’ was born. Although the song wasn’t finished, she knew she had captured something truly special.

That belief was reaffirmed when someone discovered a rough version of the track on YouTube and reached out to share how much it meant to them. Their heartfelt message reminded Sarah of the power of her music, and how deeply it resonated. Encouraged and inspired, she returned to the song and crafted the polished version we hear today.

Now, ‘Place To Be’ is available on all major streaming platforms—a compelling piece that captures the essence of who Sarah Louise is as an artist: honest, heartfelt, and healing.

Connect with Sarah Louise via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/watch/SarahLouiseMusicOfficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlouisemusicofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlouisemusicofficial

Merittocracy drops track ‘Desire’ ft Jocelyn Brown.

Zimbabwe-born/Scottish-based house/electronic producer Mani S – aka MERITTOCRACY – gets ready to unveil his third single ‘Desire’, featuring the instantly recognisable soulful vocals of legendary singer Jocelyn Brown. The deep soulful house cut is coming out 26th September via his record label, Black Sugar Music.

‘Desire’ is a reworked track that Mani S had previously written and produced with Jocelyn Brown for YOYOHONEY – an electro-soul group he formed with singer Anita Jarrett. Known for her cult classics like, ‘Someone Else’s Guy’ and ‘Always There’, with British acid jazz group Incognito, Jocelyn Brown’s infamous powerhouse vocals inspired Mani S to drop a remix. Drawing from the raw energy of the Chicago House movement, ‘Desire’ now pulses a seriously deep gutsy groove with an infectious electronica edge. “Her timeless vocals and energy got me really excited and I decided to redo and produced it on a different vibe for Merittocracy,” says Mani S.

A songwriter, producer and bass guitarist, Mani S, started is musical journey at the age of just 14, playing at countless shows and was fortunate to work with some of the industry greats such as Bootsy Collins, DJ Pierre, Tony Humphries, and Steely & Cleevie.

Main S’ love for dub, hip-hop and soul led him to form YOYOHONEY, a UK soul project which blends elements of electronica, techno and ambient sounds. Along with Anita Jarrett, Mani S released soulful/acid jazz-tinged singles, ‘Groove On’ in 1991 and ‘Voodoo Soul’ in 1992.

Mani S’ other biggest love is house music, particularly of the deep cut kind; a genre that was with him from the start of his journey. He formed Merittocracy in 2024 to push house and electronic sounds to the forefront – and give them the full attention it deserves. Along with pushing out genres he loves – and not churning out hits for streams and views – Mani S is extremely passionate about music development and has helped shape the creative direction of emerging acts.

Merittocracy’s new single ‘Desire’, featuring the great Jocelyn Brown, drops 26th September via Black Sugar Music.

Connect Merittocracy via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/merittocracy

Song of the Day: Better With Time – Stefanie Michaela

You may remember STEFANIE MICHAELA, who made a bold impression on the blog back in May with her breakout single ‘Stay In Your Lane’—a track that earned the blog’s Song of the Week title over on Instagram. That single marked a significant turning point in Stefanie’s life, serving as a stern soulful anthem of self-empowerment. With it, the R&B/pop songbird pushed back against the critics who judged her decision to pause her music career in order to raise her children.

Now, Stefanie returns with another powerful statement in her latest single, ‘Better With Time.’ Teaming up with Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer Nash Overstreet (Britney Spears, Meghan Trainor, Pitbull), who wrote and produced the single, she delivers a smooth yet edgy soulful-pop track, rich with hazy textures and hypnotic grooves that’s compelling from the very first note.

Beneath the toe-curling melodies and polished production lies an urgent, heartfelt message—a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt, or been told, that it’s “too late” to chase their dreams. ‘Better With Time’ is Stefanie’s unapologetic reminder that passion doesn’t expire, and that it’s never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire—with ambition, conviction, and courage, no matter how intimidating the journey may seem.

“I wrote ‘Better With Time’ because I was deeply passionate about following my heart and dreams at this stage in my life,” Stefanie shares. “A dream I once thought I’d never return to came back full force—and now, I’m so eager to share it with the world. I want people to know it’s never too late to follow their dreams.”

‘Better With Time’ is the third single from Stefanie’s upcoming EP, Turning Pages — a collection of songs that not only marks a new chapter in her life, but also serves as a powerful source of motivation for anyone chasing their dreams. The EP also gives a voice to the voiceless, offering them the recognition and attention they deserve.

Why not listen to ‘Better With Time’ below…

Connect with Stefanie Michaela via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555524656282
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniemichaelamusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefaniemichaelamusic?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanieMichaelaVEVO
Website: https://www.stefaniemichaela.com/

Song of the Day: Dancing (In the Palm of My Hand) – The Spikes

Following the politically and emotionally charged debut single ‘Guns For The Children’—which quickly drew attention with over 20,000 views on YouTube—Iago Haussman, aka THE SPIKES, returns with a hauntingly beautiful follow-up that could rival, or even surpass, his breakout release.

His latest single, ‘Dancing (In the Palm of My Hand)’, opens under a veil of mystery, quickly pierced by stark, minimalist guitar plucks that lay the foundation for an emotionally raw exploration of desire, loss, and longing. Heavily inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the track casts Jay Gatsby as an elusive figure—haunted by the past and consumed by his pursuit of something forever out of reach.

“I’ve always seen Gatsby as an almost mystical being—an elusive symbol of desire and secrecy,” explains Iago. “We don’t really know much about him—his past, his emotions, or the depth of his longing. I wanted to step into that uncertainty, to feel what it means to chase something beautiful and unattainable.”

Also an acclaimed poet, Haussman channels his lyrical prowess into vivid, surreal storytelling, weaving dreamlike imagery throughout his music. ‘Dancing (In the Palm of My Hand)’ doesn’t offer easy answers—instead, it lingers in ambiguity, inviting listeners to sit with the unknown.

“I’m not sure there’s a message there, exactly. And that’s really not for me to say, is it—what the audience takes away?” Iago reflects. “A feeling, perhaps? Or an image? The song touches on joy, beauty, and loss. It’s a love song, really—more existential than political, unlike my last single.”

Where ‘Guns For The Children’ shocked and stirred, ‘Dancing (In the Palm of My Hand)’ invites listeners into a more abstract, introspective realm—revealing yet another layer of THE SPIKES’ evolving artistry.

Now’s your chance to experience the surreal beauty of “Dancing (In the Palm of My Hand)”—out now on all major streaming platforms.

Connect with The Spikes via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the__spikes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the__spikes
Website: http://www.thespikes.org/

705 drops new single, ‘Enjoy’ featuring Big Femzy

Rising Afro-fusion artists 705 and Big Femzy have joined forces to release ‘Enjoy’, a vibrant new single that’s destined to become a staple of summer playlists and nightlife scenes.

Blending infectious Afrobeat rhythms with smooth melodies and contemporary fusion influences, ‘Enjoy’ is a sonic invitation to let go, live fully, and feel the music. The track pulses with tropical percussion, layered harmonies, and catchy hooks that bring instant energy and good vibes. 705, known for his rich vocals and dynamic delivery, effortlessly complements Big Femzy’s confident flow and rhythmic cadence. Together, they create a synergy that feels natural and elevating — a true collaboration rooted in rhythm, joy, and authenticity.

‘Enjoy’ was released last Friday, 1st August across various music platforms. Not to be missed; check out this smooth bad boy below…

Connect with 705 via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/705beats/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@705beats
X: https://x.com/705beats
Website: https://705beats.com/

Source: 705