Nia Chennai adds to UK R&B resurgence with debut EP ‘Diary Is a Waste of Paper’

South London’s emerging R&B talent, NIA CHENNAI dives into her personal life and career journey with the release of her debut EP, ‘Diary Is a Waste of Paper, ‘ released on Tuesday, 28th November via various music platforms.

Ahead of the EP’s release, Nia treated fans to an additional single from the project with the release of ‘Tea Lady.’ The track resembles gossip among friends, inspired by typical British tradition of coming together over a cup of tea for a chat. Nia’s unique blend of influences, drawn from Erykah Badu’s ‘Bag Lady’ and Amy Winehouse’s candid storytelling in ‘F*** Me Pumps,’ infuses ‘Tea Lady’ with a distinctive charm.

The full EP takes goes on a metaphorical journey akin to a slumber party, where friends explore themes of love, commitment, and societal pressures, inviting Nia’s audience to engage in candid, relatable conversations.

‘Diary Is a Waste of Paper’ arrives after just a year of Nia entering the scene, showcasing her undeniable quality, growth and potential. Songs like ‘Since We Ain’t Together,’ boasting over 300,000 Spotify streams, and September’s ‘Wasting Time,’ which has already crossed 100,000 streams, have garnered praise from key industry publications and tastemakers, including GUAP, Wordplay, Oculate, and New Lease.

UK R&B’s prominence and recognition – or lack thereof — has been heavily debated in recent months. Nia Chennai’s impressive rise echoes the genre’s resurgence, as she confidently stands alongside emerging talents at the forefront, including artists like Natanya, Essosa, BINA, girl group Flo, and more. The genre is seeing a wave of new artists following in the footsteps of young and established ambassadors, on the path to veteran status, including the likes of Mahalia, Ella Mai, and Tiana Major9, among others.

Why not check out ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper’ below…an absolute must listen!

Must Listens: Since We Ain’t Together, Tea Lady, Wasting Time

Eyeay drops a modern bounce to R&B in new EP, ‘Eyes of Desire: Vol 1’

Inspired by the late 90s and early 00s R&B era, East Londoner EYEAY [pronounced eye-ay] adds a modern bounce to this smooth new EP, capturing the current R&B wave from within the UK.

Leading the charge with the EP’s first single, ‘All In’. Produced by Larkin and expertly engineered by Maniac, the track provides a perfect representation of Eyeay’s cinematic feel to the project. The track effortlessly blends nostalgic R&B vibes with a contemporary edge. The dynamic soundscape of the five-track EP is further expanded with the inclusion of the Snizzy-featured ‘Handle It’ and ‘Tequila Rose,’ a captivating Trap-Soul record which underscores Eyeay’s exceptional attributes in crafting melodies and engaging storytelling which is displayed throughout the EP.

Eyeay certainly delivers on his mission—to evoke “feels” in every listener. ‘Eyes of Desire: Vol 1’ is poised to make a memorable mark in R&B, firmly establishing Eyeay as a rising star in the UK’s music scene.

Check out ‘Eyes of Desire: Vol 1’ below…

Must Listens: All In, Free Your Mind

Song of the Day: Winter Love – Opelsings

Upcoming R&B sensation OPELSINGS comes through with latest single, ‘Winter Love’, just in time for the festive season.

Produced by Terrance ‘Smokey’ Ivory, the sultry slow jam boasts a heavy bassline where Opel delivers her signature smooth, seductive vocals that’s tearing up the UK R&B scene right now.

‘Winter Love’ is the first single from her upcoming EP…be sure to look out for that…but for now, kick back and pin your ears back for this soothing joint…

Liv East shares debut EP, ‘LVE1’ + single ‘LVE Unlimited’

East London producer & songwriter LIV EAST releases her debut EP ‘LVE1’ on EMK, Kartel Music Group’s electronic imprint. Produced by longtime collaborator LOKES LDN alongside Liv herself, the release nods towards classic soul & disco, channelling the likes of Chic and Adina Howard, yet shimmers with future, capturing influences from the likes of Jungle, SAULT and Cleo Sol.

To celebrate the release, Liv East shares single ‘LVE UNLIMITED’, the EPs most raw and bittersweet track. Liv comments on the single, “I wrote it upon reflection of how I’d been denied and cast aside in my last relationship. It was a painful and confusing time but my inner strength pushed me forwards and I knew I wouldn’t be waiting around for this person. It’s a story of self love even in the face of heartbreak. I wrote and recorded the vocals in one sitting with all the final vocals being from the demo recording. The lyrics give nods to classic love songs ‘killing me softly’ and ‘wicked games’, adding to that timeless feel I wanted to create with the whole project”.

2023 so far has seen Liv East release singles ‘You Got Me’, ‘So Badly’ and ‘Love Frequency’, which landed support from BBC Radio London, Rinse FM, The Independent, Dummy, Noctis, Vogue France, Earmilk, whilst also landing playlist support from New Music Friday UK. She’s also collaborated with a wealth of artists in recent months, including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kid Fonque and Yarni.

Have a listen to ‘LVE1’ EP below…

Alternative R&B artist CK LDN returns with single, Stop Calling’

CK LDN returns with a smooth new single ‘Stop Calling’, hot off the heels of ‘Runaway With Me’ supported by DJ Ace with an exclusive first play on his BBC 1Xtra show Everything RnB.

‘Stop Calling’ is a mid tempo RnB / Rap song that explores a broken relationship which can’t be mended. This is CK LDN’s first collaboration with On1y CC, where the pair’s vocal gel effortlessly and their chemistry is natural and unique.

Hailing from North London, CK LDN has an impressive skill set as a singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and musician. CK LDN received his first acoustic drum set at the age of five and has been an accomplished grade 8 drummer since 2020. CK LDN is ready to emerge and make his mark in the UK music scene.

CK LDN has developed his melodic sound and infectious flows over the past couple of years and takes inspiration from the likes of Drake, Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz. CK LDN’s tone and vocal delivery is what sets him apart.

His previous singles have been supported by the like of Ace (BBC Radio 1Xtra), Theo Johnson (BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Introducing) Manny Norte (Capital Xtra), Ras Kwame (Capital Xtra), Jay McGregor (Reprezent Radio). Why not check out ‘Stop Calling’ below…