Singer/songwriter DIOR ASHE introduces an eclectic amalgamation of various styles, genres and moods, through EP ‘Chill Pill’, a body of work that is an undoubtedly enjoyable journey into the catalogue of one of West London’s most promising talents.
Dior’s warm vocals melded with infectious melodies and encapsulating lyrics make for a unique and memorable listening experience.
Hailing from Ladbroke Grove, West London, singer/songwriter Dior Ashe is undeniably a force to be reckoned with within the UK Alt R&B space.
Proudly tapping into her Antiguan & St Lucian roots, Dior draws much of her influence from her rich Caribbean heritage. R&B, Soul and Neo-Jazz also all play a key-part when it comes to her unique musical scope, with Dior also drawing inspiration from vocal powerhouses such as Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu.
Notably, Dior Ashe has performed at Earth 0.2, QH Sound Live and RCRDSHOP at Boxpark Shoreditch, and has been supported by Reprezent, Voices Radio, Snapback FM and Love Da Beat radio stations with both interviews and radio play.
Produced by Greatness Jones, ‘Essence’ is an inspiring cut of positivity from the talented North London rapper, COOPS, ruminating about life across trademark boom-bap drums and a rolling bass line. Essence is taken from Coops’ new album, ‘Lost Soul 2’ – released last Friday (23rd September) via Lost Soul Records.
‘Lost Soul 2’, the seventh full length release from the prodigious talent, was recorded at Coops’ studio in Hackney and serves as the sequel to his seminal Lost Soul mixtape, which still commands huge admiration nearly a decade since its release and is widely seen as a cult UK hip-hip classic. The new album sees a welcome return to the creative partnership with producer Talos that flourished on ‘Lost Soul’.
In support of the new album, Coops has announced details of his debut UK headline tour. The ‘Lost Soul’ tour will see Coops on the road in October and November with a special hometown show at London’s XOYO on Friday 4th November. Full dates can be found below while tickets are on sale now here: https://diplomatsofsound.org/coops-lost-soul-tour-2022/.
While the original reflected the uncertainty in his teenage years, ‘Lost Soul 2’ explores the navigation of adult life against the backdrop of the precariousness of the world in 2022. It’s a tale of progression and growth: Coops’ emotional capacity has matured, as has the soulful melodies he is crafting. It demonstrates evolution without compromising the important message in his music.
‘Lost Soul 2’ is Coops at his truest, purest, and most effortless and, having flown under the radar for far too long, is set to cement his status as one of the UK’s foremost lyricists. Check out the video for ‘Essence’ below…
UK rising star SAMSON‘s ‘twenifree’ is the second instalment in his Birthday inspired series.
SAMSON once again marks the occasion by sharing his experiences of travelling another year around the sun with this endearing, self-produced offering.
In signature SAMSON style, ‘twenifree’ is laced with an infectious, jumpy instrumental – perfectly complimenting his innate ability to capture his audience through his gripping story telling and effortless flow.
Inspired by array of genres such as Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, Rock and Grime, and influenced by artists Tyler The Creator, Little Simz, Joey Badass and Chance the Rapper, SAMSON has received national radio support from Tiffany Calver on BBC Radio 1Xtra as well as BBC Introducing and many community radio stations.
Multi-genre producer OBSIDIAN CANE once again joins up with alternative soul singer Stacey Pierre for the summer charged track titled ‘Long Summer’, out now.
Possessing a vibrant/tropical take on UKG that’ll bring on the sunny vibes well into the cooler months, ‘Long Summer’, is all about breaking away from old habits of rushing into new relationships. It’s an internal monologue that highlights the lessons learned from past experiences, with the intention of enjoying the journey and living in the present. Stacey’s instantly compelling harmonies gives an alternative edge to Obsidian Cane’s euphoric chants and bouncing bass line that commands full attention.
‘Long Summer’ marks the duo’s third collaboration. Stacey Pierre has previously graced her mesmerising harmonies on Obsidian Cane’s 2-step track, ‘Body Talk’ (from his 2020 debut EP, ‘Reset I’) and BBC1xtra- approved track, ‘Secret Place’, which received a seal of approval from UKG connoisseur DJ EZ, is taken from Obsidian Cane’s follow-up EP ‘Reset II’.
Since the release of her debut self-written/produced EP ‘Eden’ back in 2018, which was met with raving reviews, Stacey is carving a name for herself in London’s music scene regularly performing at opulent venues, The Londoner Hotel, The Dorchester Hotel (through Molto Music Group) and The Ned. Stacey also graced her intensely compelling stage presence at various events across the capital including St. Felix Place, Gigi’s Bar, Café 1001 and East London’s 93 Feet East.
Her lead single, ‘Motion’, from her latest EP, ‘Origin Unknown’, released in July, catapulted her onto the worldwide stage, receiving airplay from Amazing Radio in the UK and US, R&B Hits Radio in Greece as well as Ubuntu FM in South Africa.
Before branching out under his new moniker, Obsidian Cane produced music for artists signed to Warner Bros, EMI and Parlophone as well as producing music for TV shows on Channel 4, BBC1 and BBC2. He scored a club hit, ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as UKG duo KP alongside fellow producer Paul Benjamin. More recently, his single ‘Shine’ featuring long-time collaborator Ferraz, received a firm seal of approval BBC Radio London’s Jacqueline Shepherd and Raffaella Coleman. ‘Shine’ is lifted from Obsidian Cane’s EP Reset.
Obsidian Cane and Stacey Pierre aim to inject those idyllic sunny days well into autumn and winter with ‘Long Summer, released 9th September across various music platforms.
After taking a year off to hone her sound, heading to Ghana for the first time in 10 years to collaborate with producers and artists on the ground, BR3NYA returns to reclaim her crown as a UK Rap Queen and drops her latest single,’Kumsai’ which features her trademark witty, sassy wordplay with production from MADEINPARRIS paying homage to one of her favourite cities in Ghana
Speaking on the single, Br3nya said:“Kumasi represents a metaphorical journey of my recent life experiences and the journey of rediscovering myself, my confidence, my truth and most importantly my heritage. It celebrates the fun essence and vibrancy of Ghana shedding light on underrepresented parts of the country which are just as full of life. It shows the duality of my identity being born and raised in west London but never losing sight of my true inner ‘Innit innit girl’. Kumasi being the pit stop between Accra and my hometown holds a very special spot in every trip I take back home; I can’t skip it and all it’s beauty-sometimes I pass through there to visit and build memories with family and more recently to celebrate the life of loved ones who have passed over, but each time is special.”
The British/Ghanaian rapper bewitched listeners as a ‘One To Watch’ in 2020 with a lyrical ability and confident, clever delivery that drew co-signs from the likes of Stormzy, Headie One, Ms Banks, and Ivorian Doll, playlists at BBC Radio 1, Capital Xtra, BBC 1Xtra and support from The Guardian, British Vogue, The Face, NOISEY, CRACK, The Fader, Complex UK, CLASH and NME.
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