Tag: Inspirational songs

OUT TODAY: Listen To AKS’ single, ‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’

It’s been a long 4-year stint since South London Hip-Hop artist, AKS, released his sophomore EP, ‘Train of Thought’, seeing the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Earmilk, HipHopDX, DJ Booth and the MOBO Awards among the tastemakers who added their plaudits for the seminal record. The offering went on to earn the rapper two nominations at the inaugural Unsigned Music Awards (Best Record, Best Urban Act) as well as giving him viral moments with his Chas Appeti directed visual efforts for singles ‘Stay with Me’ featuring Sincerely Wilson, and title track ‘Train of Thought’, both being picked up by UNILAD.

Now with the close of 2020 fast approaching and against the backdrop of the current world climate the “three-letter man” returns with his new soul infused single ‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’, an aspirational offering appealing to each of our underlying ambitions.

Merging unconventional organ phrases with lush and vibrant guitar licks throughout, the track plays as an ode to the jazz greats of yesteryear; fusing traditional musicianship with the off kilter syncopated bounce of contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul. Continuing his previous form as a genuine lyricist, AKS weaves together thought rich rhyme schemes whilst delivering a soulfully melodic vocal in a way that is easily becoming the calling card of the South London native.

Exploring themes of dogged determination and new found responsibility, the passion driven track displays AKS’ lyrical ability as he pens painfully frank verses professing his recent frustrations, the pressures of becoming a new father and questions surrounding legacy.

AKS

Speaking further about the inspiration behind ‘Up And Up (Heavens Above)’, AKS says, “Following the birth of my son, having taken some time away from music in the lead up to his arrival and in the time since, I found myself questioning my existence and contributions both from a parental and an artistic perspective. This song was born out of a desire to do better for my son’s sake and ascend irrespective of the obstacles I may face or how low I’ve felt at times. It’s my reminder to myself of my hopes and dreams, that my contributions are long lasting and impactful, at the very least, on my son”.

‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’ is the first single taken from his forthcoming project ‘As Plane As Day: Departures & Arrivals’, which concludes the wordsmith’s three-part ‘Modes of Transport’ series, the record sees the rapper award himself production credits under the veiled moniker #3Letters, whilst enlisting the collaborative efforts of prominent musicians Adrian Remedy (Ed Sheeran) on guitars, Benjamin Muralt (Ledisi, Ill Camille, Pixie Lott) on bass, and AdeKeys (AfroB) on keyboards.

Check out the lyric video for the single below…

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Dani Darling’s New Single, ‘All Stars’ Is A Welcomed Relief From The Year’s Trauma

With the success of her debut EP, ‘Nocturne’ and critical acclaim as one of the Detroit Metro Times’ 2020 ‘Bands To Watch’, singer-songwriter DANI DARLING‘s 2020 was shaping up to be a breakout year… but when a worldwide pandemic temporarily derailed her hopes and aspirations, the Michigan native was forced to cancel tour dates and found new inspiration in solitude during quarantine.

In the midst of chaos, and a national debate over the value of human life, Dani sought to cope with the year’s trauma through recording her forthcoming EP ‘Mage’, due out on all digital streaming platforms on 11th November. A celebration of the power of Black women through the lens of astrology, the project serves to uplift listeners and provide relief from the communal trauma experienced in 2020. Today (29th October) the alt R&B & soul songstress releases the project’s definitive and second single, ‘All Stars’.

Have a listen below…

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Valntna Releases Powerful And Compelling Single, ‘Black Kingz’

Empowering, eloquent and unifying, VALNTNA conveys the world around her with considered hard-hitting lines and soulful softness in new single ‘Black Kingz’.

Premiered on BBC Radio 1Xtra with DJ Ace, the record made its poignant debut during Black History month ahead of the striking visuals, which are set to release in the last week of October. Lyrically dissecting the obstacles, the pain and suppression of black men, VALNTNA creates an uplifting message of unity, strength and power that can be accessed universally via her soulful and complex singing ability.

“I deliver a powerful message to shine a light on these issues, empowering all Black Kingz to come together, uplift themselves and each other & embrace the change that is distinctly upon us. Projecting Love, Healing & Unity” says the singer and songwriter from South London.

Produced by music duo, PINK87, who also helped curate VALNTNA’s previous single ‘CCW (Confidently Constantly Wrong)’, ’Black Kingz‘ flows with melodic variances guided by her R&B and soul influences, yet her customs and South London upbringing infiltrate her style making the product nostalgic but current.

Citing Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill as some of her influences, VALNTNA is an artist of technique, growth, and emotion, and ‘Black Kingz‘ displays each quality exceptionally. Her ability to openly challenge important topics and call for unity within the black communities is bold, impactful and necessary. Check out this gem below…

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Song of the Day: Coll – The Keys

Taken from his anticipated EP, ‘Blue Magic 2’ – out now on all download and streaming sites – Norwich-based rapper/producer COLL‘s latest slick soulful number, ‘The Keys’,  touches on the topics of self-love and motivation in a witty, assured and intelligent manner.

“’The Keys’ is all about self-resilience, believing in yourself and making the right decisions in life to ensure happiness for yourself and your family”, explains COLL.

Born in Zimbabawe, COLL and his family moved to the UK when he was eight years old, where soon after, he became obsessed with the music of hip hop godfathers, The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, inspiring him to start his own musical journey. Since then, he’s released a plethora of well-received singles (including ‘Rockstar’ which is fast approaching 100,000 streams), performed at festivals such as Latitude & Sundown, and even set up his own label, True Music Records.

This Norwich-based imprint aims to offer a platform for local artists to kickstart their own careers. The label recently secured funding from the Arts Council England, and in collaboration with Pirate Studios, a studio and recording space based in Norwich, they’ve been able to provide free studio time to their roster as well as other local musicians.

Have a listen to COLL’s ‘The Keys’ below…

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Andria Piperni Is Reaching ‘Above The Clouds’ With Brand New Single

From time to time, we all have those little voices in our heads stopping us from reaching our maximum dreams and desires. It may be human nature to protect ourselves from ‘failure’, but giving in to fear will only stop us from what we are truly capable of.

Canadian singer/songwriter, ANDRIA PIPERNI‘s smooth soulful R&B effort, ‘Above The Clouds’ is a firm reminder to ourselves – and the singer – that, no matter how hard things may appear to be, pushing through fear and taking that leap of faith, will you make you feel a million times better.

Have a listen to ‘Above The Clouds’ below…

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