Responding to feelings of social isolation and the double-edged sword of digital connectivity, ‘Never Felt So Alone’ is the third single from CAPTIONS OF IMAGINATION‘s full EP Fingerprint.
Straight outta Geneva, Switzerland – who are often compared to a modern incarnation of the Fugees or the Black Eyed Peas – this trio combines rapping, singing, and musicianship with both distinctive lyrical content and their own vibe.
Taking a step in the direction of combating taboos around mental health, vocalists Imagine, Dr Koul and Evita Koné lead by example by sharing their angst instead of bottling it up. French beatmaker Josra constructs a sonic atmosphere built around vibrating basslines and strident synthesizers, backed by British violinist Julian Azkoul’s urgent bow strokes.
Musically, the song goes beyond its subject matter, as ‘Never Felt So Alone’ is as catchy and danceable as its music video is stylish and entertaining. Check it out below…
Lifted from his brand new EP, ‘Trilogy III’, THEO TAMS shares his single, ‘FBG’ (F**k Boy Games) with an accompanied video.
Carrying an infectious electro R&B vibe ‘FBG’, featuring rapper Karma Rivera, is an upfront and hook-filled middle finger to anyone who has done you wrong. This track embraces self-worth, drawing on the experience of finally getting to a point where you no longer feel the need to accept inexcusable treatment by a partner.
Hot on the heels of the release of his latest album, ‘Take Me As I Am,’ and sell out show at the Parc and Dare Theatre, Rhondda, Welsh performer, singer and now songwriter LEE GILBERT has shared his new single waiting to be embraced by the listeners entitled ‘Soldier On’.
This emotional, multi-layered, Pop song was co-written between Lee and a new international songwriting collaboration called The Grand Cru. The Grand Cru includes… ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead, Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard) and ex member of The Story’s and Balsamo/Deighton. Also on ‘The Cru’ is multi-award winning Welsh singer/songwriter Darren Parry, who’s a former UK Songwriting Contest winner, Billboard, Unisong, ISSA and USA Song Of The Year award winner (who’s co-written with The Korgis, Dan and Laura Curtis and others). In addition, the fourth member of ‘The Cru’ is Florida based Bonnie Skop, whose family has a long history in music; including her Dad managing Ted Nugent and Bob Seger in their early days.
As for Lee… he needs no introduction in the Welsh music scene; he is an acclaimed singer /actor. His 25 year career has spanned from Theatre, Radio and TV work which runs alongside his music career. As an actor Lee has performed in Musicals, Drama and Comedies, credits available via Spotlight. As a singer he has produced two other studio albums, ‘Just One Voice’ and ‘All of Me’. He performs in Theatres and venues around the UK and Europe as a solo performer or as front man with a 17 piece Big Band. His stage show ‘That’s Life’ is a full 2 hr extravaganza of music and dance. He is a regular performer of cabaret in London’s West End Cabaret venues and throughout the country, with other regular appearances in Greece and Switzerland.
Lee says… “The new song ‘Soldier On’ was written via Zoom during the lockdown periods, initially for a Hollywood film. Unfortunately, due to lockdown restrictions in the US and some problems the film did not go ahead (for now anyway) but the song still remains”. Lee says… “we dug into our own emotional well’s for this song. We wanted to express the struggle that people go through in overcoming adversity in everyday life, how they soldier on. Written long before Ukranian conflicts, this song now has a new meaning due to that we suppose but the song is hopefully universal in its message, it’s about rising above problems to a better place, it can mean different things to different people”!
Somewhere in between the stunning melodies of R&B and the emotional depth of soul, there lies a distinctive sonic formula that stands out as the backbone of MIRAAJE‘s sound. This talented vocalist is all about creating innovative and heartfelt melodies, which set the bar higher in terms of really putting herself out there and allowing her full vocal range to shine.
Her single, ‘Don’t Let Me Go’, is the perfect calling card for the artist, and it is a great display of passion, focus, and excellence at the core of her sound and vision.
‘Don’t Let Me Go’ is highly recommended to fans of artists as diverse as Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis, Beyoncè, and Jennifer Hudson. Much like these aforementioned icons, Miraaje’s foray into the R&B genre is all about bringing so much personality to her vision, giving the audience a taste of something different, while still staying true to what makes this kind of music so special and unique. Check out this great talent below…
Following on from the release of single, ‘Share My Life’, produced by Jermaine Forde (the son of Brinsley Forde from the legendary reggae group Aswad), RAPHAEL TATE makes a quick return with single, ‘Lord I Need You Near.’
Dedicated to Raphael’s mother, Patricia Ann Tate (1953-2020), ‘Lord I Need You Near’ is the first single that Raphael entirely composed and produced – from arranging the strings to performing the backing vocals. To be a conductor and composer has always been Raphael’s lifelong dream – and what better way to fulfil a dream by paying a tribute to a loved-one.
The stunning ballad features a stellar line-up who adds the final touches to the production. Award-winning jazz harpist JeffMajors, who collaborated with Raphael for 2021 single, ‘Everything Must Change’, provides the spine-tingling magic right from the beginning of the emotive piece.
Acclaimed bassist Mark A Walker adds a pleasing full-bodied tone to the heavenly arrangements. Mark has worked with the likes of Will Downing, Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music, Yolanda Adams and multi award-winning Gospel artist, Richard Smallwood who had a hit with single, ‘Total Praise.’
‘Lord I Need You Near’ was further brought to life by Ukraine’s Kaska Records Orchestra who provides breathtakingly stunning live instrumentation, a perfect platform for the UK-based singer/songwriter to showcase his powerhouse vocals, pleading for comfort from the loss of his mother. This single also serves as a soothing ode for everyone who lost a loved one, particularly during the pandemic.
Starting out as a Billboard chart-topping artist, peaking at number 25 on the American Dance Club with 2017 single, ‘ With Every Beat Of My Heart’, Raphael ventured out as an independent artist, creating his own label, Tate Love Production. His soulful vocal performance quickly earned him the title, ‘Prince Of Soul’ by his ever growing fanbase through tracks, ‘A Fool In Love’ and ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’, ‘Can You Feel It’ and ‘Blessed’, named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.
BBC London/Seani B-approved single ‘A Fool In Love’ and Reprezent FM featured single ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ are also touching tributes to his late mother. ‘I Need You Near’ is the perfect tribute carry on the treasured memories of the biggest role model in his life.
Taking from the forthcoming EP Patricia Ann Tate Creations (release date to be announced) ‘Lord I Need You Near’ was released on Friday (13th May) on various music platforms. The release date marks the second anniversary of Raphael’s mother passing. Have a peep at the offcial video single below. You can also stream ‘Lord I Need You Near’ here.