Song of the Day: Return of the Mack (Seeb Remix) – Mark Morrison

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On its 21st anniversary, MARK MORRISON‘s ‘Return of the Mack’ gets remix treatment from Norwegian dance duo Seeb.

Seeb had a sensational 2016, their remix of Mike Posner’s ‘I Took A Pill In Ibiza’ became a Grammy nominated monster hit, and was globally the third most streamed song of the year, with over one billion streams.

MARK MORRISON‘s debut album in ’96, ‘Return of the Mack’, was a multi-platinum success, selling three million copies worldwide. The single reached number one in the UK, and spent a remarkable 41 weeks on the US Billboard singles chart, peaking at number two.

EP Review: 07946 – Nick Blackos

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ONV Records recruit NICK BLACKOS has dropped a seven-track project, entitled ‘07946’ released last month.

Your speakers will sure get a good workout through the introductory track, boasting a dub-style bass which seamlessly reverberates and rips through the grittiest fusion of grime and hip-hop. ‘07946’ will also take you by complete surprise by taking a detour into the contrasting arrangements of bar-lounging, Slum Village-esque hip-hop.

The old speakers will (as Jane Fonda would say) ‘feel the burn’ one more time as East London spitter’s latest set concludes with the return of that hefty drive.

This one’s a cheeky number – why not check it out!

Must Listens: Our Family (Blue Hills), Moon Rock, The Pain

New Track: I Can’t Wait – Blaise Pascal

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London-based future-soul artist BLAISE PASCAL unveiled single ‘I Can’t Wait’ last Friday, taken from his debut EP, set for release later in the year. The track samples the melodic hook from Billy Cobham’s ‘Heather’, famously used in hip-hop classic 93 ’til Infinity’ by Souls of Mischief.

Speaking of his latest release, Blaise says: “It’s about a long distance relationship I was in and the feelings of excitement I had knowing I would see her after much time apart. We are no longer together but still very close and she’ll always be a special person in my life”

Born in Pembury and raised in London, Blaise’s career began with a scholarship to Sylvia Young. He began to focus on singing and dancing and his talent was recognised and rewarded by yet another full scholarship to the esteemed Rambert School of Contemporary Dance & Ballet. This led to a career as a professional dancer, taking him around the world and giving him the opportunity of working with some of the UK’s best known establishments including The Royal Opera House and The English National Opera.

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At the age of 17, his uncle Martin Rex (engineer & producer of artists such as Alison Moyet, Neneh Cherry and The Shamen), saw potential and gave him a guitar, igniting a passion for playing and writing that would soon surpass all else.

The result of this was Blaise’s debut album ‘Wild Life’ released through his own label SJH Music. He then spent the next few years gigging around the country and building a reputation working as an accomplished musician and has recently taken time out from this to begin writing his second album. As well as following his pursuits to be an accomplished songwriter and musician, Blaise has a strong sense and belief in the spirit of community and in particular amongst fellow musicians. With that in mind he founded the company Acoustic Roots, a ‘featured artist/open mic’ nights offering a platform for up and coming artists.

‘I Can’t Wait’ is now available for purchase via iTunes. For now, have a sample of the single.

 

 

Song of the Day: Venus – EarlGrey (ft. See Francis)

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After releasing the critically acclaimed ‘Pulldown’ and ‘Overdue’ in 2016, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist EARLGREY enters 2017 with a bang, in the form of his brand new See Francis assisted single ‘Venus’.

Along with both previous releases, ‘Venus’ was self-produced, written and performed by the man himself and his creative collective TheVAMP, the track features Earl’s soulful vocal prowess, along with his attention to detail with the intricate production. Joining forces with New Jersey native See Francis, to add a guest verse to the track, the pair showcase exactly why they are two of the most promising new artists the music world has to offer.

As a member of creative collective, TheVAMP, EARLGREY has recent months collaborating with an array of talent, from industry veterans such as Ne-Yo to budding superstar MAAD. Fast forward to 2016, EARLGREY is setting his sights firmly on the spotlight and is on a sole mission to open hearts and inspire through music and storytelling.

Currently gearing up for a debut EP release due out in later this year, EARLGREY is well and truly making his mark on the scene, and cementing his status as a frontrunner of the new generation of cutting-edge neo soul artists. Like the tea, you can expect lush blends of silky and soothing R&B vocals on top of some dark and herbaceous hip-hop beats, accentuated by notes of rich and floral acoustics.

Check out his latest track, ‘Venus’.

New Track: 100 (Remix) – Ricardo Williams (ft. ShezAr)

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After an amazing year with his last R&B smash hit ‘Deeper’ – which was track of the week on BBC’s 1Xtra and also hailed, ‘A soulful R&B banger’ by EarMilk – Birmingham’s powerhouse, RICARDO WILLIAMS has teamed up with fellow powerhouse ShezAr (sister of Singer/producer Labrinth) to deliver a truly sultry R&B classic.

The pair play out these age-old conversations and scenarios on the three-and-a-half-minute smoothie, weaved in with luscious harmonies, sultry vocals and passion.

If you miss that old-style R&B, you better check this one out!