New Track: Caroline – Shaefri

‘Caroline’ definitely hits a raw nerve with London-based singer/songwriter SHAEFRI. With atmospheric soundcapes coupled with the stunningly soft/heartfelt vocals, the latest single tells the story of witnessing someone close hitting the self-destruct button – and feeling powerless to save them.

On her most personal release to date, SHAEFRI explains: “I wrote Caroline the day after I received a phone call saying someone close to me was in hospital after overdosing. I cried the whole day but I was also so angry with her for letting it happen. I was so afraid for her life. I felt guilty for not being there when it had happened, that I couldn’t stop her from doing it, and no longer being able to help. Every time it happens, there’s less of a person left to put back together.”

Following the success of previous releases, ‘Pixelate’, ‘Monster, ‘Rabbit Hole’, and ‘Give It All’, SHAEFRI has seen an influx of support from Clash, DIY, and Hattie Pearson at Radio X, whilst her unique brand of haunting vocals and minimalistic beats have seen sold-out performances at venues, such as The Old Blue Last and Notting Hill Arts Club.

‘Caroline’ is the last installment of her EP ‘Cracks’…have a listen to this powerful piece…

New Track: Falling – Turya

After the cult success of her debut single ‘Rain’, singer, songwriter and composer, Nicki Wells – aka – T U R Y A  returns with a brand new single ‘Falling’ released last Friday. This is the second release taken from her forthcoming debut album ‘Ocean’.

‘Falling’ reveals a more honest, darker side compared to the ethereal, bittersweet debut. Steeped in melodic and lyrical poignancy, ‘Falling’ is a musical response to political events in the modern world and a powerful vehicle to express T U R Y A’s feelings.

T U R Y A performs the songs from her debut album ‘Ocean’ for the first time on 29th October, 7.30pm at the Slaughtered Lamb, London. This will be T U R Y A’s debut live performance, seeing a much awaited return to her London roots.

If you’re in the London area, go and show some love! But for now, listen to ‘Falling’.

 

Song of the Day: Simmer Down – Sakyi 4

You have great potential… It’s just you guys need to work out what group you want to be – SIMON COWELL.

With that sound advice from one of the most respected music moguls on the planet, brothers Reece, Carl, Aaron and Eden Sakyi – aka SAKYI 4 – are determined to become UK’s next promising R&B group. 

For their latest single, ‘Simmer Down,’ the quartet switched it up with rich and bold presence of Afrobeats, fused with their laid-back R&B trademark. Since its release, the music video for the single has cranked up over 8,000 views on Youtube, gaining support from Link Up TV.

Their previous R&B number, ‘Bad As You’, received a seal of approval from SBTV’s Jamal Edwards MBE, clocking up over 31,000 views on YouTube.

Born in North West London into a mixed heritage (Ghanaian and British) , SAKYI 4 were introduced to music from an early age through their parents’ love for soul, pop and African music. The brothers share the same passion for singing and songwriting, crediting Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson as early influences.

Gaining praises from a string of UK’s biggest urban tastemakers, SAKYI 4‘s new offering is just the beginning of their very fruitful journey….check it the video.

Song of the Day: Came Up – Lights (ft. Levelle London)

LIGHTS teams up with Levelle London for his latest single, ‘Came Up’. Laid-back soul and jazz tones meet a familiar sample for hip-hop fans and the honest and genuine lyrics from the East London emcee, that has a history of striking a chord through his music.

Presenting the video via GRM Daily, LIGHTS, formerly known as ‘Lightnin’, shrouds the record with sun-filled, good-time vibes as he kicks back in the Dominican to tell his tale. Enlisting the harmonious talents of Levelle London, the hook and ad-libs make for the perfect recipe against the truth and real-talk from the man himself.

Taken from the upcoming EP of the same name, due for release in early next month, the record is the first to come from LIGHTS since his well received mixtape ‘I Ain’t Signed But I’m Nice’, which preceded a sold out headline show. However where some fail to make an impression upon their re-emergence, LIGHTS has walked straight back into his role as an honest, reflective and genuine emcee with a talent for making relatable music.

The upcomer has been a fixture in the scene since the early days of UK’s Grime and Rap. Coming up under East London’s legendary Nasty crew, which also housed the likes of Ghetts, Kano and D Double E, LIGHTS found solo success with Channel U classic ‘Hard Life’ ft Taley Riley thanks to his ability to capture the pain and frustrations of a young generation. He is now part of an independent label called “NO Stars” which includes the likes of fellow emcee and renowned producer, Pepstar.

Check out this SUPERFLY single…

New Track: Nokia Nostalgia – FooDoo

The multi-instrumentalist and unclassifiable electronic music producer, FOODOO enlists the vocals of Bonkaz, Dotty, Mugun and Marvz Skee for the release of his ‘Be Like’  EP. The visuals to lead single ‘Nokia Nostalgia’ ft Bonkaz dropped via Link Up TV last week.

Littered with musical influences that see the tracks lend from jazz, hip-hop, grime, funk, soul and R&B, FOODOO has a clear talent in being able to both capture and portray emotion through his productions before a vocal is even laid. Hazy beats, downtempo pop and woozy R&B give the E.P both a welcoming and intoxicating aura.

Having started his production journey at the age of just 14, the London-based talent received his first radio play just 4 months later on BBC Radio 1Xtra. His work soon caught the attention of artists and labels alike, resulting in him working and remixing for Bonkaz, Sway, Tiggs the Author, Bluey Robinson, Glasser and Raheem Bakare, with the music releasing through Pitched Up (Sony), Warners, True Panther Sounds, Tru Thoughts, Kitsune and Otherway Records.

His solo releases to date have resulted in critical acclaim from the likes of iD Magazine, Clash, Pigeons and Planes, The405, Indie Shuffle and Complex UK, highlighting him as a gifted producer with a promising future, something his new release is not only expected to live up to but also exceed.