London-based BLISS WILLIAMS’ first memories of music are the tapes of 60s pop and soul his parents kept in the car when he was little. This early introduction to timeless songwriting from the likes of The Beach Boys, not to mention all those Motown classics, left an indelible mark. A few years later, he received a guitar for his birthday, starting a lifelong love affair with music-making.
Fast-forward to 2023 and Williams is releasing soulful songs on Colorama Records, a small independent label run by Paul Weller bassist Andy Crofts. His tunes have been championed by John Kennedy on Radio X and Gary Crowley on the BBC, while recent single ‘A Thousand Times Before’ (featuring Weller drummer Ben Gordelier) was playlisted by Spotify.
Now he returns with new single ‘The Sequence’, an seriously infectious neo-soul head-bopper with a soft psychedelic twist. Check it out below…
Singer/songwriter/composer OLAEDO IBE gives a glimpse of her triumphs, challenges and her relationship with God in her brand new album, ‘Golden Skin’, released 27th October across various music platforms.
Produced by G-Kid, ‘Golden Skin’ album starts off with vibrant sounds of the Motherland in ‘Royalty’, which sees Olaedo showing gratitude for God’s love and guidance – through the good and bad times. She continues to show her appreciation for the Most High in the previously released soulful ballads, ‘Manifest’ and ‘The Divine Exchange’, where she expressed the desire to build a deeper connection.
The ten-track project also touches on various topics that are close to Olaedo’s heart, such as mental health, healing, practicing forgiveness, self-love and self- worth. She’s not afraid to raise awareness on taboo topics such as colourism and the dangers of skin bleaching with optimism in most recent single, ‘Golden Skin’. Featuring gospel songbird Rae Rae, the encouraging message from ‘Golden Skin’ received a seal of approval from BBC Radio London, Premier Gospel as well as Heartsong radio, Sheffield Live! Susy Radio, Radio Africana, Naija Fm, plus many more. Since its release in August, the title track has gained over 3000 streams and the music video is now a fan favourite. ‘Golden Skin’ is also used to create awareness about the British skin foundation to raise funds for skin research.
Speaking of her latest project, Olaedo says: “Despite life’s ups and downs, I believe it’s possible to overcome them and win. I hope Golden Skin uplifts and encourages every listener. I truly believe whatever you were born in God has made a way for you to win.”
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Olaedo – meaning gold in the Nigerian Igbo language – started singing from a young age at church, weddings and school and stage plays, while simultaneously, developing her song writing ability by reading psalms, listening to Motown music and through personal life experiences. While spending a few years of her childhood in Nigeria, she was introduced to a plethora of different types of music, counting Cece Winans, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Blanca and Mary Mary as her biggest music influences.
Returning to the UK, she shared the stage with Peobo Bryson at the Cadogen Hall at the age of just 14 and with the encouragement from David Gest and former Manager of Roy Ayers/Deniece Williams she began to pursue a career in music.
Her distinctive soulful sound, profound lyrics and inspirational message became a force to be reckoned with after the release of debut EP ‘Shine like Gold’ which featured her debut single, ‘Dust with Life’. The single was featured on Yahoo! Screen homepage and earned her a Premier Gospel award and MOBO nomination.
Olaedo continues to gain recognition with second project ‘Grow to Glow’ released in 2018 which featured hit singles ‘Lead Me (Olaedo’s Psalm 2), ‘Good Life’ and ‘Fill Us, a song for children about the fruits of the spirit’. ‘Lead Me’ was Olaedo’s first top-ten single on the UK Christian Chart and became a favourite on Premier Gospel with the accompanied music video played on TBN UK. Featuring Leke & Becca Folkes, ‘Good Life’ and ‘Fill US’ also became a top-ten hits on The UK Christian chart, both peaking at No 2.
Alongside her impressive music career, Olaedo travels around the country, giving motivational speeches at various youth events, colleges, churches. Olaedo Ibe currently creates Christian meditation videos and hosts show, #YourHealthMatters on IG live.
Now Olaedo Ibe returns to the spotlight, offering encouragement others, coming in the shape of the ‘Golden Skin’ album, out now across various music platforms.
Must Listens: Royalty, Golden Skin, Operate Me (Olaedo’s Psalms 3), Manifest
JESSICA WILDE‘s video for latest single, ‘Freak Out’, mirrors the song’s message of stepping into your power and following the call of spirit.
Musically, the track sizzles with bass loaded, rhythm inflected dirty alt-Hip hop / pop vibes, with Wilde’s candid and intelligent rap lyrics weaving around infectiously. Produced by Wilde herself, with atmospheric snappy percussion flourishing and quirky vocal samples scattered throughout making a truly unique sound with the distinctive finishing touch of co-production by Tom Maine (WU-LU, Kid Cruise).
‘Freak Out’, which has been picked up for plays on BBC 6 Music’s New Music Fix and BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists, is the first single of a powerful forthcoming album project from Wilde, which features some of the most insanely talented artists on the rise- Josh Barry (Nile Rodgers / Rudimental), Zoe Kypri (Black Coffee) and James Newman (Writer of Brit award winning song ‘Waiting all night’ by Rudimental’).
So let your inner freak out and watch the video below…
BEA ANDERSON’s forthcoming EP, ‘The Classroom of Silence’ is a glance into the personal growth and wisdom that she has gained from times of introspection on her journey of self-love and acceptance. Bea has processed personal trauma from heartache to flexing her growth as she finds love in the aftermath of adversity.
Lead track ‘Goodbye’ delves deeper into the idea of what true love should mean, Bea guides goes on a path of transformation and healing with her mesmerising R&B flavour and masterful storytelling. She knows that true evolution can only be achieved by facing one’s spirit, and true freedom comes from learning to coexist without depending on love from others.
Bea Shares – “This project signifies 6 lessons I learned in the classroom of silence. The name is derived from the life-changing book ‘The Rhythm of Life’ by Matthew Kelly. The concept explores the notion that true knowing of identity occurs when nothing else is occurring – also known as in the midst of silence. Each song depicts a different life lesson and ultimately the influential turning points in the development of my identity. The project explores the themes of healing, love and transformation.”
Produced by Jarom S’ua (Timbaland, Drake) and written by Bea, ‘Classroom of Silence’ explores the complexities of love, life and balance. Opening track ‘Inner Child’ is a heartwarming addition to the EP, as we hear ‘little Bea’ reflect on all of her learnings, delivering words of praise to the woman she’s become, gracefully setting the tone for the following tracks.
Previously released ‘Pieces’, ‘Picture Perfect’, and ‘Astronomical’ ft. Jords allows us a glimpse into Bea’s relationships from heartbroken to captivated. The narrative flow Bea creates on her journey of growth and transformation as she displays her storytelling prowess through her soulful lyrics and masterful songwriting, over the years she has captured the attention of major DSPs and publications – BBC Radio 1Xtra (track of the week and C-List), Spotify (New Music Friday, Fresh Finds) and backing from Notion, Apple Music (New Music Daily, New in R&B, Breaking R&B), HUNGER and most recently COMPLEX, CLASH & COLORS.
Listen to Bea’s ‘The Classroom of Silence’ EP below…
Must Listens: Pieces, Mirror Mirror, Goodbye (pt. Two)
Alt-Pop songstress APRIL JAI‘s new single ‘Morally Grey’ shows her exploring the complexities of affection for fictional morally ambiguous characters, showcasing her artistic depth and creativity.
April Jai made the following statement about the track: “I wrote “Morally Grey” mainly for my fellow book girlies who fall in love with fictional bad boys, it might be a red flag in real life but in the fictional world it’s perfection”
Bringing a fresh perspective to the alt pop genre, infusing it with a unique take that is all her own, ‘Morally Grey’ promises to be a captivating addition to April’s growing discography, solidifying her position as an artist to watch. Listen to ‘Morally Grey’ below…
New Lease Music 