Tag: jazz

Song of the Day: When It Comes Together – Matt Wilde x [ K S R ]

Following the widespread success of his debut album ‘Hello World’ last year, which found support across BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio 2, Jazz FM and more, Manchester based-pianist and producer MATT WILDE returns with a smooth offering taken from his forthcoming ‘It’s A Delight’ EP. A celebration of Manchester’s fertile nu-jazz and soul scene, ‘When It Comes Together’ sees Matt connect with altsoul wordsmith [ K S R ] for a Robert Glasper-esque, piano-led hip-hop beat with heartfelt lyrics exploring human connection.

Out now via DeepMatter Records, Matt comments: “This track explores the magic of unity and collaboration. The soulful vocals and intricate production highlight the beauty of coming together to create something meaningful.”

Matt’s ‘It’s A Delight’ EP is a heartfelt exploration of everyday joys and human connection. The fivetrack EP captures the essence of wilful gladness and beauty found in ordinary moments, with Matt weaving a reflective, uplifting musical narrative through his melody-driven approach to improvisation and composition. Soothing, warm harmonic choices sit front and centre on meditative pieces like ‘Trying To Be Kind’ and ‘Timekeepers’, whilst electric moments of joyous collaboration
occur on RH Factor-leaning cut ‘Good Things Happen’, featuring trumpet player Aaron Wood (Secret Night Gang, Olivia Dean).

On the EP, Matt shares: “It’s a Delight is an exploration of the small joys that make life meaningful. The project was a collaborative effort that brought new perspectives and layers to the music. This EP celebrates the everyday moments that bring us together and the joy that grows when shared.”

A fast-rising artist known for his lyrical, virtuosic and jazz-tinged approach to keys playing and production, Matt Wilde is a key part of the Manchester scene that’s played a huge role in the growing international success of UK jazz. Cutting his teeth producing for local grime artists including Prose and Bugzy Malone before going on to collaborate with Brownswood Records’ Secret Night Gang and HMD, he’s a multi-faceted artist with an in-demand creative approach. His music has received widespread support from tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan and Deb Grant, and he’s been spotlighted in publications including the Big Issue, all whilst growing his own social media channels and building a strong community across YouTube and Instagram.

Listen to ‘When It Comes Together’ below…

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qu shares debut album ‘where did the sun go’ via Kabul Fire Records

Vietnamese-German producer QU‘s debut album ‘where did the sun go’ is a 15-track sonic journey featuring notable collaborators including Serious Klein, Josh Kye, Malaya, Jay Prince, and Agajon.

Signed to Kabul Fire Records, founded by acclaimed producer Farhot, qu is set to make a significant impact with his highly anticipated debut album. He expertly crafts his own unique sound that takes listeners on a soulful journey rooted in hip hop, RnB, and jazz, while pushing the boundaries of conventional songwriting and arrangements. His debut album serves as a sonic mood board, introducing him as an artist first.

The 25-year-old’s path to producing and songwriting began with his training in classical guitar, which explains his affinity for organic instrumentation in his production, distinguishing him from typical beatmakers. qu’s artistic maturity on this debut project suggests a lifetime dedicated to music, though his journey has been anything but straightforward. Like many creative individuals from immigrant families, qu had to compromise, forgoing academic education for a music career and working at a Vietnamese restaurant to sustain his studio time. His album reflects years of tough decisions, dedication, and navigating the uncertainty of choosing music over traditional career paths, all while grappling with perfectionism and ambition

The album title ‘where did the sun go?’ encapsulates the multi-layered struggles of creating music in times where art is often a privilege. Despite moments of doubt and exhaustion, the music itself offers an answer: the cyclical nature of the sun’s presence and absence can produce meaningful art. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: volcano, oblivious,

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Song of the Day: Wile Out – TC & The Groove Family

Ten-piece UK afro-fusion outfit TC & THE GROOVE FAMILY continue the rollout of their ‘We Have Each Other’ EP with simmering, jungle-tinged hip-hop cut ‘Wile Out’. Released via Bridge The Gap, the track is a cross city collaboration, bringing together two of the UK’s best underground hip-hop MC’s, BBCR1Xtra and SXSW-backed Birmingham MC SANITY, and Sheffield wordsmith Franz Von.

Building off of lead single ‘Stand Strong’, ‘Wile Out’ showcases the band’s darker electronic and UK bass influences. Growling, subbed-out bass tones, tight-knit hip-hop grooves, and furious horn lines develop into a double-time whirlwind of jungle and immersive turntablism, with lyrics from SANITY and Franz Von subverting the meaning of ‘Wiling Out’.

SANITY explains: “First hearing the track, I liked the idea and juxtaposition of Wile Out, as it’s a term with connotations of recklessness, or using energy carelessly amongst young people; but here, to ‘Wile Out’ is to challenge norms, not fall in line and utilise individuality to reach maaximum potential.”

Franz adds; “Wile Out is about doing what you love and enjoying it to the fullest, for me it’s music. The chorus echoes the advice from my mother to embrace life, to love myself and follow my dreams. This track is about sharing this advice and attitude to people around us.”

The EP ‘We Have Each Other’, released earlier this month, sees the band refine the sound debuted on their 2022 album ‘First Home’. Returning to work once again with producer Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, ONIPA), the project explores a darker sonic palette, channeling a deep appreciation of UK bass and electronic music alongside afro-jazz sounds and hip-hop sensibilities. Lead single ‘Stand Strong’ offers a great connection between eras of the band. Created as a love letter to afrobeat, the track offers a contemporary twist, integrating turntablism and Khruangbinesque guitar lines amongst infectious basslines and weaving horns.

The EP documents a time of change within the group – a new lineup, plus members living in different cities and pursuing various paths – whilst also reflecting the turbulent socio-political climate, and the major shifts and changes on the horizon for humanity. Despite the heavy subject material, the band strike an optimistic, uplifting tone, encouraging listeners to look around and embrace community, whatever that may look like. No one should be lonely when celebrating each other, and the band encourage an ethos that says ‘it’s good to be me, but it’s better to be us.’

Originally formed in Leeds, TC & The Groove Family’s sound reflects the diverse musical and cultural backgrounds at the core of the project, with songs exploring grooves and genres including afrobeat, broken beat, jungle, jazz and grime. Their music has drawn widespread acclaim, supported by tastemakers including Jamz Supernova and Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, Jazz FM, Rinse FM, Radio FIP and more. The group have performed at the likes of Glastonbury, We Out Here, Greenman and Boomtown, and will embark on a UK tour across May & June in support of the release of ‘We Have Each Other’.

Here’s your chance to check out ‘Wile Out’

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Yazmine MB yearns for freedom from the rat race in soulful single, ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’

Following the success from her previous works ‘I’ll Show You’ and ‘MOVE’, British-Algerian R&B/soul artist YAZMINE MB is back with her latest offering ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’. The track serves as a sneak peak into her debut EP ‘HEALER’ which is set to release 19th April.

Delicate piano alongside searing guitar, ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ highlights the inner battle between exhaustion and FOMO (Fear of missing out). Written as a response to her fatigue while working three jobs, Yazmine MB yearns for the freedom to do nothing with static-laced voicemails intertwined between her soulful vocals that riff and run to demonstrate the struggles of entering the adult workforce and facing burnout.

Yazmine MB said of the track “WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ is basically like a big moan and complain about the amount of work we need to do to survive and, particularly, my experience as a teenager entering the adult workforce. I wrote the lyrics and vocal melody on the bus home from a childminding shift right before COVID-19. I was so exhausted and always on the go without any free time really- I’d forgotten what it was like to lounge around and do nothing and was headed towards burnout, hence the title ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN.’”

Following the success of previous releases, ‘I’ll Show You’ and ‘MOVE,’ ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ stands as the penultimate release before Yazmine MB unveils her debut coming-of-age EP, ‘HEALER.’ Crafted between the ages of 15 and 18, during turbulent times, the EP acts as Yazmine’s personal band-aid, a source she revisits whenever she needs a lift, aiming for it to provide similar healing for her listeners. From grappling with old habits to navigating the complexities of adulthood, ‘HEALER’ presents a raw and unfiltered narrative of growth, infusing every track with a soulful resonance. “This EP is like my band-aid,” said Yazmine MB. ‘“I listen to it every time I need a pick-me-up. The tracklist is ordered to show the healing process – that it’s not linear. You get a bit better, you pick yourself up, and then maybe for a while, you dip again, and that’s ok. You’re human.”

Yazmine MB’s musical journey commenced in the lively musical landscape of London, under the guidance of her jazz singer mum. Immersed in a world of artists and venues, she embarked on her musical pursuits at an early age, delving into guitar, flute, choir, and piano lessons. Constantly surrounded by her mum’s musical preferences of Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Amy Winehouse, and Erykah Badu, Yazmine MB found herself deeply influenced by these celebrated musical figures. This rich musical tapestry of her formative years set the foundation for her own artistic exploration and expression in the world of music.

Fast forward 20 years, Yazmine MB, a graduate of the BRIT School of Performing Arts, has enchanted audiences at esteemed venues like Lafayette, the 100 Club, and the Whitecross Festival. Her performances gained acclaim from prominent London stations and publications, including Reprezent Radio, The Beat London, and The Blues Project. Her latest singles, co-produced with FLO’s live vocal arranger and BELLAH’s producer Gimme 2 Minutes, showcase her evolving artistry as she builds a growing team to support her talents. With a robust fan base of 25k across social media platforms, Yazmine MB is poised for an exciting 2024 as she debuts her EP ‘HEALER’’ in April and graces the stage at festivals across the UK this summer.

‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ was available across all major streaming platforms from last Thursday (21st March) . Her debut EP ‘HEALER’ is set to release on 19th April. Have a listen below…

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Timeless trio Karmacoda shares self-empowerment ballad, ‘Try At Me.’

Comprising of Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett (aka B. on vocals and producer) and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass), captivating trio KARMACODA have unveiled their new single, ‘Try At Me’, which takes on a soulful, R&B quality that oozes with jazz lounge sensibility. A tender but passionate anthem to self-liberation and overcoming hardship, this track sees Jessica Ford baring her soul in her stirring, powerful vocal delivery. Her vocals soar over a gentle, syncopated downtempo beat, minimal R&B bassline and lowkey instrumental arrangements peppered with the delicate teal of jazz piano. ‘Try At Me’ is bathed in emotion and pain, yet decidedly triumphant and hopeful.

Jessica shared: “I wrote this song about a young girl I teach singing to. She had been through so much loss, anger, sadness and so many trials; more than any little girl should ever have to endure. I watched her fall into a depression, so much so, she didn’t want to sing anymore. Slowly but surely, through love, time and a lot of work, she started coming back, becoming more confident. I watched her fight for it.The song ‘Try At Me’… the words are “it’s time to try at me”, in other words, it’s time to give myself some girl power. It’s time to find myself, it’s time for me to rise, take a chance on myself, get out of this dark place, be heard, grow, and take a leap of faith, even when I feel beat up, I know I can stand up, try at me. She did, and she is. She is singing again. I couldn’t love this more. To my girl, this one’s for you.”

With impressive discography and many awards under their belts, San Francisco- based KARMACODA have offered up a vast array of sounds over the last twenty years, including electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock and dream pop. While still eluding being pigeonholed into a single genre, the trio’s sound has evolved into a soulful, sophisticated fusion of R&B, jazz lounge, drawing comparisons to the likes of powerful artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and Lana Del Ray.

‘Try At Me’, was released on 26th January via Sola Musa Music. Why not check it out below…

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