Song of the Day: Reflect In Mirrors – Tia Carys

Premiering via DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, ‘Reflect In Mirrors’ sees TIA CARYS at her most reflective, detailing the complexities that often come with the end of relationships, life events and changes in the midst of your teenage years.

The video, directed by Otis Dominique (Jorja Smith, Kojey Radical) is bold, and links strongly back to the message in the song. As Tia says, the track is plainly about “reflecting in the mirror as I step out of my teenage years”, but drummed up so poetically in song, such is Tia Carys’ talent.

Following the huge success of ‘Intro’, which gained wide support across BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra (Record of the Week), Capital Xtra, KISS Fresh, Rinse FM, Foundation FM, Unity Radio and many more, Tia quickly follows up with the melodic sounding ‘Reflect in Mirrors’, showcasing her range, emotion and prowess. Speaking on ‘Intro’, The Fader said “Carys looks every inch the star in waiting”.

It’s clear from ‘Intro’ and ‘Reflect in Mirrors’ that Tia Carys is more than capable at being the shining voice of her generation. Late last year, her breakout song “English x Ghana” spoke on her grappling with her dual heritage, on ‘Intro’ she widened the net talking about her sexuality, now with ‘Reflect in Mirrors, we see her emotional range.

Recently, Tia Carys released a collaboration with producer of the moment Fraser T Smith, which also featured singer-songwriter Tom Grennan. The young songstress also released her debut EP ‘EnRoot’ last week (27th November) via Ministry of Sound.

Check out Tia’s official video for her latest below…

Song of the Day: Rubber Bands – Rasstokyo

South-East London artist and producer, RASSTOKYO‘s latest, ‘Rubber Bands is no doubt catchy yet consciously charged, combined with an eye grabbing visual which shows Tokyo running for Prime Minister while spitting truths about the reality of life in the UK. Adding smooth transitions, rich tones and vivid colour into the mix – this is another example of why Rasstokyo is one of the most unique artists in the scene right now.

The artist first flooded the scene as a producer under the alias of Tokyo The Producer, before fixing his attention in front of the mic – singing and rapping. Soon he would be flowing through our playlists, on to our timelines and more, with a fluid and genre-less sonic that he brands ‘water music.’ Now, he’s looking to make a splash with ‘Rubber Bands’ and an upcoming project, so be careful or you might drown…

Check out the video for ‘Rubber Bands’ below…

Asha Gold Shares Single Oscar, Calling Out Liars And Cheaters

In spite of the increasing pressures of covid-19 on the whole music industry, rising R&B artist ASHA GOLD has managed to establish her fledgling music career with swan-like success. Her journey began in December 2019 with the release of her first single ‘Too Good’, followed by more high-vibrational R&B and pop inspired tracks ‘Passenger’ and ‘Debut’.

Coming almost full circle, Asha’s fourth single ‘Oscar’ arrives in this increasingly chillier time of year to brings us some warmth vocals, old-school R&B melodies and a fresh pop production, all of which has a lot to say about liars and cheats who deserve to be called out.

The press and radio highlights for Asha Gold over the past year have been extensive – she has received repeated support from BBC Radio 1, Playlist Support from BBC Asian Network, BBC Radio 1 Xtra, BBC Introducing London, Selector Radio, Amazing Radio and the Student Radio Network.

Over in the world of music press, Asha Gold has been featured on Colors, Clash Magazine, Earmilk, The Line Of Best Fit, Elevator, Variance, Gal-dem, CloudKid, Get In Her Ears, Stereofox, LIQUID, Fred Perry Subculture, Acid Stag and many more.

Asha Gold’s debut EP will arrive early 2021…but for now, check out the video for ‘Oscar’…

Song of the Day: Mañana – Xadi (ft. Nina Cobham)

‘Mañana’ was born from a long-standing mutual admiration between West Londoner XADI and Manchester’s Nina Cobham. Their musical chemistry is evident on the track with Nina’s ethereal bilingual vocals sitting atop Xadi’s production perfectly on the hook, and his two reflective, melodic verses proving a perfect complement to that hook.

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, both artists have been extremely productive. Nina’s most recent single ‘Sola’ has amassed almost five million streams on Spotify and picked up support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Jamz Supernova, Children of Zeus and even music icon Christina Aguilera.

Meanwhile Xadi has also had an excellent year. Back in February, Xadi released his second EP project, ‘Day Ends’. The EP and subsequent follow-up singles have received support from Christina Aguilera, Reprezent, NTS, Rinse, No Signal and Foundation FM, and from tastemakers, Twin B, Lily Mercer, Jyoty and Jamz Supernova.

As well as official releases, Xadi also worked hard on putting out a series of Instagram freestyles and covers during the lockdown, which have led to him receiving praise from the likes of Kojey Radical, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn and Jords. His work has also gained attention from the likes of The Guardian, Complex, Off The Block Magazine, The Pit LDN, Have You Heard, Mission Statement Magazine, Yahoo News and the Irish Times.

Check out the video for ‘Mañana’, directed by Kumiko….

Song of the Day: Address That – OFFCOURSE

As he approaches the milestone of garnering his first million streams led by tracks ‘My Gang’, ‘Beg Friend’ and ‘Still Here’ with Lady Leshurr, and coming on the back of strong support from tastemakers such as BBC Radio 1, KISS FM, BBC 1Xtra, KISS Fresh, Spotify and GRM Daily, exciting fast-rising South London rap artist and entrepreneur OFFCOURSE returns in the final quarter of what has already been his biggest year so far, with his brand new single. ‘Address That’.

Produced by GRM Daily Rated Awards nominee Adotskitz, who has previously worked with the likes of Stormzy, Krept & Konan, Skepta, Mr Eazi and French Montana, ‘Address That’ is a hard-hitting rap track driven by a heavy bassline, which sees OFFCOURSE in braggadocios mode and oozing confidence, as he waxes lyrical about the finer things in his life, while railing against some of the fake elements of the music industry.

‘Address That’ is taken from his forthcoming debut EP, which is lined up for release early next year…but for now, check out the video for the track, directed by 1Time…