Song of the Day: Summer – BAELY

The highly-rated, fast-rising British artist BAELY shares latest single ‘Summer’ in a signal of strong intent for what is his first release since ‘Teleport’.

Having already garnered co-signs from the likes of Anderson Paak, Jorja Smith and Stormzy he is building a strong reputation for his incredible vocal skill, infectious songs and stellar live performances. In what is a vibrant, lo-fi R&B curation, he seamlessly fuses old and new sounds as he evolves with each release. Co-produced by Lophiile (H.E.R, Ari Lennox), the track is accompanied by the official LA shot music video and directed by Charlie Rees of Untold Studios. Written during a writing trip in LA back in November 2019, BAELY was inspired by his escape from the cold winter months of the UK to the sunshine-soaked climes of America. “I was out there wishing I could have that ‘Summer feeling’ all year round – so I put it in a song”. With a passion for Hip-Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul and Jazz, BAELY is creating his own sonic soundscapes with his distinctive vocals garnering the attention of press and tastemakers alike.

Collaborating with ‘Charlie Rees (JayO, Rita Ora) on the video, BAELY assembled a stellar team of creatives to bring together the retro-tinged visual for his latest offering, ‘Summer’. Shot in the middle of the Mojave Desert in California, BAELY performs against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, natural rock-formations and vast landscapes, all under the glow of the California sun.

Despite being a relative newcomer in his solo career, BAELY has experienced incredible studio and live success, working with a plethora of artists – including Stormzy, Cleo Sol, Little Simz, Goldlink, Burna Boy, DAVE, Cat Burns, Mahalia, AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith, to name a few – as well as receiving support across the spectrum of the music media and radio. Guesting with Anderson Paak’s Grammy Nominated band ‘Free Nationals’ during their recent London shows, saw BAELY catapult further as he became a Soho House ‘Future First’ artist, headlining his own show at 180 House, sold out shows at Jazz Cafe including a live show held by UK R&B tastemakers ‘The Blues Project’, amongst many other notable performances. With more music on the way, he looks set to step out of the shadows in what is set to be a huge year ahead.

Check out the video for ‘Summer’ below…

Song of the Day: Reflect In Mirrors – Tia Carys

Premiering via DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, ‘Reflect In Mirrors’ sees TIA CARYS at her most reflective, detailing the complexities that often come with the end of relationships, life events and changes in the midst of your teenage years.

The video, directed by Otis Dominique (Jorja Smith, Kojey Radical) is bold, and links strongly back to the message in the song. As Tia says, the track is plainly about “reflecting in the mirror as I step out of my teenage years”, but drummed up so poetically in song, such is Tia Carys’ talent.

Following the huge success of ‘Intro’, which gained wide support across BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra (Record of the Week), Capital Xtra, KISS Fresh, Rinse FM, Foundation FM, Unity Radio and many more, Tia quickly follows up with the melodic sounding ‘Reflect in Mirrors’, showcasing her range, emotion and prowess. Speaking on ‘Intro’, The Fader said “Carys looks every inch the star in waiting”.

It’s clear from ‘Intro’ and ‘Reflect in Mirrors’ that Tia Carys is more than capable at being the shining voice of her generation. Late last year, her breakout song “English x Ghana” spoke on her grappling with her dual heritage, on ‘Intro’ she widened the net talking about her sexuality, now with ‘Reflect in Mirrors, we see her emotional range.

Recently, Tia Carys released a collaboration with producer of the moment Fraser T Smith, which also featured singer-songwriter Tom Grennan. The young songstress also released her debut EP ‘EnRoot’ last week (27th November) via Ministry of Sound.

Check out Tia’s official video for her latest below…

Rising R&B Star Shamim Shares Single, ‘Intentional’

Coming on the back of the success of her debut single ‘Option & Priority’, which has seen her garner support from the likes of Kingsize Magazine, Guestlist Magazine, SingersRoom, Fame Magazine and Word Is Bond, South London R&B songstress SHAMIM is back with her fierce new single titled ‘Intentional’, taken from her forthcoming debut EP, which is due at the end of the year. The new offering ‘Intentional’ sees her linking up once again with burgeoning producer Amandeep Dhaliwal aka Clonez, who has previously worked with A2, Jevon and Sam Wise.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Intentional’, Shamim says, “this single was inspired by the current state of affairs across the world and I wanted it to project a sentimental hopeful message as we are all living in quite confusing times. I have been struggling mentally to deal with ensuing challenges, as are many other people, but creating this song has given me a healthy space to be vulnerable with myself and the world, and that’s why ‘Intentional’ comes with such a hopeful sentiment, while my message of self-worth also aims to be uplifting and motivational.”

Highly recommended if you like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jorja Smith, Summer Walker or SZA, Shamim is already showing all the early signs of an R&B star in the making, and she is excited to stake her claim as one of the UK’s brightest new talents with her anticipated debut project. Born in Uganda and raised in the UK to the musical influences of legends like Etta James, Nina Simone and Otis Redding, Shamim is driven by honesty in music and puts truth at the core of her message, with a determination to create with the same freedom and fearlessness as many of her idols.

Check out the lyric video for ‘Intentional’ below…

Tom One Delivers Brand New Single, ‘Hey’ Featuring Lauren May

Originally hailing from Winchester (Hampshire),  DJ/producer in Tom Guyer – aka TOM ONE – usually deals with house/dance music – but for his latest single, ‘Hey’, he switches direction and  teams up with New Zealand born/East London based singer Lauren May for a carefree and laid-back vibe.

With the piano providing the platform for a classical soulful/jazz feel, the latest effort is enhanced by 27-year old May’s sultry vocal performance – arguably a cross between Amy Winehouse and Jorja Smith.

Tom One has built a name for himself for playing across the country, including his residency spot at Royal Holloway Univeristy’s Student Union, as well as supporting artists such as Chase & Status, Sigma and Becky Hill.

Released yesterday (27th January), ‘Hey’ is available on all download/streaming sites. Have a listen to the stunning single below…

New Track: Red – Ebson

ebson-red

EBSON makes a return with a powerful soulful effort entitled ‘Red’. His debut single ‘Adapt to Thrive’ – once named Song of the Week by NEW LEASE MUSIC – received support from tastemakers including Indie Shuffle and The 405, praising the alternative soul newcomer for his emotive blend of blues and soul.

With his unmistakably London sound, taking influence from the city around him, EBSON tells a tale of courage within a relationship, and finding the strength to leave. The latest effort rises and falls as the story sweeps through a battlefield of love and sin. With a sweeping cinematic feel and haunting piano, music builds to marching drums as the story reaches its crashing crescendo.

‘Red’ was produced by Charlie, who also recently produced Jorja Smith’s EP. It was mixed by Grammy nominee Alex Evans.

EBSON will release a debut EP in 2017…but for now, get a taste of his upcoming project and listen to ‘Red’.