Song of the Day: Secret Tunnel – Emma Ballantine

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Today EMMA BALLANTINE serves up a very soothing dish with her single, ‘Secret Tunnels’, taken from her new project, ‘Somebody’s Story’.

The three-minute track, released on her own label, Shut Up Jo Records, is the first of four new songs that the London-based artist (originally from Salisbury) will be sharing between now and March this year.

Each of the of the tracks in ‘Somebody’s Story’ are based on a true story sent to the singer/songwriter by her followers since she announced the idea just three months ago. ‘Secret Tunnel’, gives a moving and inspiring account of a young girl’s determination to move on with her life after a harrowing experience.

 The new tracks have all been produced by Brixton-based producer Moseley and reflects a
departure from the traditional folk sound of Emma’s earlier EP, ‘Tourist’. Layered synths and beats combine with her usual storytelling style to create a more contemporary feel.

Since being tipped by Glamour magazine as ‘One to Watch in 2016’, Emma has had a busy year, performing at a string of festivals, including Glastonbury and reaching the final of the UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year competition. She is due to announce a new string of tour dates for spring 2017 to mark the launch of the four tracks as a full EP and physical record.

Song of the Day: Frontline Testimony – Sonz of Thunder UK

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SONZ OF THUNDER UK has dropped their latest single, ‘Frontline Testimony’, taken from their EP ‘New Levels’.

The three-and-a-half-minute mood shaker which cranked up over 4,000 views on Facebook, boasts an infectiously uplifting reggae bass with the group’s prime aim to reach out to their audience through an equally uplifting and potently inspirational message.

Born and bred in north-west London, Brothers Shane (left) and Dean Brown started SONZ OF THUNDER UK in 2005… and their seamless fusion of genres, ranging from reggae to hip-hop and R&B, didn’t fail to disappoint. With their bombastic presence, the brothers have rocked the stages at a string of festivals, community events and talent shows.

2013 was a great year for the pair as they received great responses for track, ‘It’s All About Love’ after being aired several times on Channel AKA (formerly Channel U).

Their cover to Drake’s hit ‘Once Dance’ (entitled ‘God on the Mind‘) was well received by fans, clocking up way over 6,000 views and 100 shares and likes on Facebook alone.

Their biggest track to date, ‘More To Life’, dominated the airwaves of local community stations, creating major buzz around the pair in 2013 and 2014.

After taking a break for a year, the dynamic duo has made a comeback with  ‘New Levels’ EP in July 2016 via VP records sub-label VPAL. The eight-track collection includes anthem-ready, ‘God on the Mind’ and ‘More To Life’ and a tribute song to the late Nelson Mandela.

‘New Levels’ EP is now available on all major music download sites including iTunes and Amazon.

For now, charge up your Monday and check out ‘Frontline Testimony.’

 

 

New Music Video: Vogue – 3Bubble & J.Gray

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Ok ladies, this one is for you (sorry guys!)

3BUBBLE & J. GRAY have recently dropped their video for the uplifting and club-ready effort, Vogue. In the three-minute vividly coloured production, the Houston hip-hop duo pays homage to women across the globe regardless of  background, race or size.

It’s time to check it out…and ladies, don’t forget to STRIKE A POSE!!! Vogue is the leading single from their latest album, Pentagon Memoirs, available now on all music digital platforms.

To read the review on Pentagon Memoirs, head right here.

 

New Track: Haters – Line Mari

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LINE MARI released her latest single, Haters, which displays the Norwegian newcomer  laying her gorgeously wispy vocals over brooding and heartfelt pianos before erupting into a soaring chorus to a backdrop of tropical-tinged synths.

Line was born in Tromsø, also living for some time in Svalbard, one of the most Northerly inhabited places in the world. As a child, she grew up regularly witnessing the beauty of the Northern Lights, as well as once having a close encounter with a polar bear whilst at Kindergarten.

A highly versatile musician, Line not only sings and writes her own music, she also plays a number of instruments including guitar, piano and harmonica (she is currently also learning to play the fiddle). She has a keen interest in vintage music and vintage guitars and owns several custom-made guitars and her own custom-made pedal-board.

Haters and previous single Crush are set to appear on Line’s upcoming album, which fans can grab hold of this month. The album was recorded at the legendary Abbey Roads studio, recorded with major producer Rob Cass and electronica producer Pearse MacIntyre.

So here’s some words of encouragement; have a listen to Haters.

New Music Video: Rise Up – Bella Loka

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BELLA LOKA have been busy behind the cameras, as they released another visual to mystical/uplifting single, Rise Up, released last month via iTunes.

Tea Boothby describes the latest effort as, “a love story between the day and the night, the light and the dark. Having become separated ‘in the beginning’ the light and the dark are irresistibly drawn back together, with seemingly opposing chess pieces depicting how love can appear as a battle, until it’s won.”

As part of the production of the video, Tea stood motionless against the iconic London skyline on Primrose Hill for 5 hours from dawn as the sun came up to film time-lapse footage of herself against the rolling clouds and shifting shadows.

Take a few minutes out and watch the video for Rise Up.