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

earlgrey-venus

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)

100-per-cent-ricardo-williams

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!

New Track: Because of Love: Bianca Rose (ft. Ayanna Witter-Johnson)

bianca-rose-video-clip

British/Jamaican/Nigerian singer-songwriter BIANCA ROSE has been writing and composing for the best part of a decade. In 2007 she self- released her debut EP ‘Truth and Tiny Tragedies’, and has continued to collaborate and write songs for other artists ever since. Accompanying herself on guitar and ukulele, Bianca’s live shows have included sets for Sofar Sounds, Tigmus, London Jazz and the CrimeJazz Festival in the Netherlands with additional performances for Playstation, OH TV, & radio play on Radio 1 and 1Xtra. As lyricist in the Ready Riters songwriting collective, Bianca recently co-wrote X-Factor contestant Annastasia Baker’s debut album, resulting in Annastasia’s 2014 Mobo nomination.

Bianca has decided that 2017 is the right time to focus on her own music again, and release some of the songs she’s written over the last few years. The second single taken from her highly anticipated debut album is entitled ‘Because Of Love’ and features Mobo nominated singer/songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Bianca explains “Ayanna and I collaborated on every part of the creation of this song, from writing to recording, so it only made sense that the video was an extension of this partnership, whilst debunking the stereotype of competition between women. We believe there is a place for us all in this business so we actively make room for one another.”

bianca-rose

Her debut album ‘No Fear’ Here was part-funded by the PRS for Music Foundation and produced by critically acclaimed jazz musician and producer Femi Temowo, (George Benson, Andrea Bocelli, Amy Winehouse, The Roots, ESKA & Soweto Kinch). ‘No Fear’ Here is an expansive interpretation of the singer/songwriter genre, fusing Bianca’s folk/gospel sensibilities with both Bianca and Femi’s African diasporic perspectives.

Bianca adds “These songs are snippets of the lessons I’ve learned and am still learning. Some people believe that fear is something we should live with, or that we should use it as motivation to achieve our goals. From my experience, I believe it’s something to be conquered and routed out of every area of our lives. I try to live on a daily mission to seek and destroy all traces of fear and oppression in my life. It’s the only way that’s worked for me.”

‘Because of Love’ is now available on all streaming platforms and ‘No Fear’ Here is released today.

New Music Video: Paranoid – Scorcher

scorcher-paranoid-video-clipSCORCHER makes his entry to 2017 with the dark and determined ‘Paranoid’, releasing his highly anticipated visuals after the release of the audio. He brings his wavy flow and unique style, coupled with a message that matches the Chas Appeti directed black & red, sinister visuals.

The grime scene favorite left 2016 on a high by dropping ’99 Riddim’ alongside ‘The Movement’ comrades Mercston & Ghetts then following it up in quick succession over Christmas with ‘Last Night In Edmonton’. The MC tore it down for #SiansStudio on BBC Radio 1Xtra resulting in Twitter going crazy over his deep lyrics and reload bars and the fire continues on his latest release.

Teaming up with the unstoppable Donae‘O who not only lends his impeccable production skills to the record but also his indisputably recognisable ad-libs, SCORCHER sets the tone as if it were a soundtrack to a movie, something he is familiar with following his lead role in hit independent file ‘The Intent’, released last year. Packed with warnings and sinister twists, the record is a reminder of the skill that SCORCHER has over his lyrics and flows and the varying pace of instrumental that he can command.

Set to be at every turn in 2017,SCORCHER – aka Scorcher Skywalker – has already graced seven million viewers with an appearance on BBC 1’s Match Of The Day, dropping an exclusive freestyle, which was later released online and gained 420,000 views in 24 hours. He also hit Sky One’s ‘What’s Up Show’, discussing his plans for the year.

Check out the video for ‘Paranoid’

WATCH Joanna Rabeson’s video for single, Orchids and Feathers

joanna-rabeson-orchids-and-feathers-video-clip

Paris-born/London-based JOANNA RABESON‘s latest alternative soulful effort, ‘Orchids and Feathers’, is the first release from her eponym project, which displays the tribulations of a woman through her different personas.

Now it’s over to you: experience the first of many tribulations – watch the heartfelt production for ‘Orchid and Feathers’.