Tag: London

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.

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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…

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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.

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EP Review: Broken Record – Allana Verde

Since the release of her 2016 EP, ‘Neo Nostalgia’, ALLANA VERDE has been on a steady rise, gaining support from the likes of Trevor Nelson, DJ Target, Complex and i-D. Continuing the climb, the London R&B singer unveiled her brand new EP entitled ‘Broken Records’ earlier this month.

An afterhours R&B (say, from the 90s era) receives a futuristic makeover from the bold and vibrant presence of electropop overtones. Together with Verde’s quirky yet somewhat sultry vocals, this mini collection brings on a real enticing and spine-tingling experience.

Over the years, I’ve seen many artists break out in a cold, nervous sweat when it comes to combining unlikely genres – but this newcomer burst onto the scene and pulled it off effortlessly with such Sade-esque style and grace. This one too good to pass up; have a listen.

Must Listen: Broken Records, I Know Better Now.

 

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New Music Video: The Stone – Jerome Thomas

Following the release of his acclaimed debut EP ‘Conversations’, East London vocal powerhouse, JEROME THOMAS presents a mesmerising performance in the new video – directed by Christopher Cargill whose portfolio includes Giggs and Emeli Sandé –  for lead track, ‘The Stone’.

‘The Stone’ is one of the lighter more self-explanatory tracks from the socially conscious EP, tackling topics that still remain taboo within the music industry. It is a personal and sincere body of work, devoid of banality, inspired by Jerome’s observations of society and conversations with close family and friends.

The Dalston native has been championed by the likes of The Fader, i-D, Idol Magazine and MTV, as well as receiving key radio support from BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and Rinse FM. Having headlined a number of sold out shows at Bush Hall, Notting Hill Arts Club and Queen Of Hoxton, and aligning himself with revered industry peers such as Hannah Faith (Soulection), Black The Ripper, Footsie (Newham Generals) and Davinche, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the talents of this genre-defying artist….check him out!

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