Artist/producer Callie Reiff and singer-songwriter Kaeyra have teamed up to deliver single, ‘Heart Ain’t Safe’.
The track represents another bold progression for multi-hyphenate act Callie Reiff who has been making waves this year with a string of impressive singles. On ‘Heart Ain’t Safe,’ her soaring soundscapes and hypnotizing beats provide a cinematic base for Kaeyra’s soulful vocals — it’s the perfect example of Callie’s signature ‘indie-club’ sound, which she describes as a fusion of “pop/indie-forward vocals and New York club energy production.”
“‘Heart Ain’t Safe’ is about that one person who is always in the back of your mind. Wherever you are at, you know if they were there you would ditch the party to be with them,” Callie says. “I tried to mimic the lyrics with a somewhat dark feeling bassline, intense drums, and an energy that makes you want to be in the middle of a dark rave dancing with all of your friends.”
Acclaimed producer MARCUS JAMES and esteemed duo RYYZN, have released the stripped version of their collaborative EP, ‘Warning Sign’ out now via Physical Presents. For the original EP, the team was supported by tastemaker Youtube channels Sensual Musique and Cloudx Music as well as features on major Spotify playlists such as Cardio, Tropical House, New Music Friday and Mint Canada and collected just under 1.4 million plays across streaming platforms.
The title track of the revamped EP immediately marks itself one to watch. ‘Warning Sign’ opens with bold brushstrokes of the elegant grace of a piano and intimate vocals from RYYZN. Introducing an accompanying acoustic guitar and a deep intimacy, the three have managed to diversify themselves – proving their worth with both upbeat dance music and the slow tempo. An underlying “emo” atmosphere appears throughout both EPs, tying the two together with more than just lyrics and creators but an important sentiment of expression, much like the works of Dayglow, My Morning Jacket, Jacob Lee and Vance Joy.
Born and based in Vancouver, Marcus James (pictured far right) is well-known for his collaborative works, having worked with the likes of multi-platinum selling artist Trevor Guthrie, remixed Dylan Matthew’s ‘Saturday Night’ as well as Warped Tour bands Anarbor and Courage My Love. The producer has also shared stages with the likes of Robin Schulz, 3LAU, Lost Frequencies, Zeds Dead and many more. The rising star has received support from the likes of Your EDM, EDM.com, EARMILK, MrRevillz, and Tropical House Records, Vancouver Sun, Substream Magazine and HERTZ Mag all of which has contributed to his noteworthy play count of over 7.4 million streams across platforms.
RYYZN is a Vancouver-based duo comprised of David York and Jessie Elias who come from Calgary and Saskatoon respectively. The pair have received significant attention on streaming platforms with features on the tastemaker Youtube channels Audio Library, MrRevillz, AirwaveMusicTV, and ChillTracks as well as appearing on the Spotify playlists for New Music Friday: Canada, Indie pop & chill and Fresh Finds. As a result, RYYZN currently sit at an impressive play count of well over 11 million.
What meant to be a standalone track to be release on Valentines Day, singer/songwriter SHANTÉH and producer JOSHUA. JAMES’ new EP, ‘The Lovers’ Tape’ was quickly turn into a four-track project that was written, recorded, mixed and mastered in four days (yes, four days!)
Bringing all angles of a love story to the table – from building trust, to an untimely separation, then from re-exploring the idea of a relationship to finally solidifying a true bond and commitment – ‘The Lovers’ Tape’ possesses a fresh take on 90s Slow Jam – thanks to the warming glow of the background vocals (which takes on a Jodeci-ish vibe in third track, ‘Luvin’ You’), the sombre feel from the piano (featured in ‘Foundations’) and the vibrant guitar plucks, giving off a Afro tone (in concluding track, ‘Meant To Be’). Each aforementioned component are all brought together by an uplifting meaty bass.
There’s no doubt about it that this mini set is definitely for those who love them some good old 90s Sow Jam. I, for one, am really impressed by their quick turnaround on a project of such high calibre – and still have it ready in time for Valentine’s Day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the South Londoners will join up for another collaboration. Check out ‘The Lovers’ Tape below…
‘Mañana’ was born from a long-standing mutual admiration between West Londoner XADI and Manchester’s Nina Cobham. Their musical chemistry is evident on the track with Nina’s ethereal bilingual vocals sitting atop Xadi’s production perfectly on the hook, and his two reflective, melodic verses proving a perfect complement to that hook.
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, both artists have been extremely productive. Nina’s most recent single ‘Sola’ has amassed almost five million streams on Spotify and picked up support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Jamz Supernova, Children of Zeus and even music icon Christina Aguilera.
Meanwhile Xadi has also had an excellent year. Back in February, Xadi released his second EP project, ‘Day Ends’. The EP and subsequent follow-up singles have received support from Christina Aguilera, Reprezent, NTS, Rinse, No Signal and Foundation FM, and from tastemakers, Twin B, Lily Mercer, Jyoty and Jamz Supernova.
As well as official releases, Xadi also worked hard on putting out a series of Instagram freestyles and covers during the lockdown, which have led to him receiving praise from the likes of Kojey Radical, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn and Jords. His work has also gained attention from the likes of The Guardian, Complex, Off The Block Magazine, The Pit LDN, Have You Heard, Mission Statement Magazine, Yahoo News and the Irish Times.
Check out the video for ‘Mañana’, directed by Kumiko….
With all the chaos that 2020 has presented, this didn’t stop rappers SCHAFTER and HOUSTON X from dropping one hot collaboration titled, ‘Need Help’.
A refreshing and electric trap-wave combo, ‘Need Help’ kicks off with rhythmic percussion which is layered by synthy impressions where the pair deliver fresh and flex worthy verses that detail their flashy lifestyles and fly-boy ways.
The accompanied video-shot in Warsaw and London – embodies the theme of the track which is inspired by the idea of trying to get away from something but being unable to.
Quickly becoming a phenomena in his country’s ever-evolving hip-hop scene, Schafter is known for his take on melodic trap. Last year, he burst onto the scene with ‘Hot Coffee’ which accumulated over 27,000,000 streams on Spotify alone. UK’s upcomer Houston has built a steady cult following for his distinct, genre-defying sounds, ranging from hip-hop, R&B to rock and pop. Houston X was previously featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC with track, ‘Scarlett Red’
Check out the video for ‘Need Help’ which was shot during lockdown…
New Lease Music 