North London’s Blues singer GEORGIA BLACK‘s single, ‘Invisible Enemy’ was written at the very start of the lockdown and was inspired by a conversation Georgia had with a colleague of hers, Roberta – Georgia works as a Learning Support Assistant in a college for her day job.
Roberta said, “Don’t you think it’s crazy that whenever we’re usually unwell, we feel we have to be the hero and push ourselves to go to work, but right now, to be the hero is the other way round?”
This really resonated with Georgia and built up an image in her head of super heroes saving lives by staying at home, which laid the foundation for the song. Sonically ‘Invisible Enemy’ is very theatrical in nature, showcasing cinematic soundscapes reminiscent of something from a Bond movie. Her soulful, sultry vocals bring to mind the likes of Lana Del Rey, whilst the seductive synths emit a mesmerising release.
Have a listen for yourself…hit play on ‘Invisible Enemy’ below…
It’s been a long 4-year stint since South London Hip-Hop artist, AKS, released his sophomore EP, ‘Train of Thought’, seeing the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Earmilk, HipHopDX, DJ Booth and the MOBO Awards among the tastemakers who added their plaudits for the seminal record. The offering went on to earn the rapper two nominations at the inaugural Unsigned Music Awards (Best Record, Best Urban Act) as well as giving him viral moments with his Chas Appeti directed visual efforts for singles ‘Stay with Me’ featuring Sincerely Wilson, and title track ‘Train of Thought’, both being picked up by UNILAD.
Now with the close of 2020 fast approaching and against the backdrop of the current world climate the “three-letter man” returns with his new soul infused single ‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’, an aspirational offering appealing to each of our underlying ambitions.
Merging unconventional organ phrases with lush and vibrant guitar licks throughout, the track plays as an ode to the jazz greats of yesteryear; fusing traditional musicianship with the off kilter syncopated bounce of contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul. Continuing his previous form as a genuine lyricist, AKS weaves together thought rich rhyme schemes whilst delivering a soulfully melodic vocal in a way that is easily becoming the calling card of the South London native.
Exploring themes of dogged determination and new found responsibility, the passion driven track displays AKS’ lyrical ability as he pens painfully frank verses professing his recent frustrations, the pressures of becoming a new father and questions surrounding legacy.
AKS
Speaking further about the inspiration behind ‘Up And Up (Heavens Above)’, AKS says, “Following the birth of my son, having taken some time away from music in the lead up to his arrival and in the time since, I found myself questioning my existence and contributions both from a parental and an artistic perspective. This song was born out of a desire to do better for my son’s sake and ascend irrespective of the obstacles I may face or how low I’ve felt at times. It’s my reminder to myself of my hopes and dreams, that my contributions are long lasting and impactful, at the very least, on my son”.
‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’ is the first single taken from his forthcoming project ‘As Plane As Day: Departures & Arrivals’, which concludes the wordsmith’s three-part ‘Modes of Transport’ series, the record sees the rapper award himself production credits under the veiled moniker #3Letters, whilst enlisting the collaborative efforts of prominent musicians Adrian Remedy (Ed Sheeran) on guitars, Benjamin Muralt (Ledisi, Ill Camille, Pixie Lott) on bass, and AdeKeys (AfroB) on keyboards.
BENNY BIZZIE‘s new single, ‘Pressure’ is an energetic track that packs a punch with its Drill-inspired, edgy and dark R&B track with an infectious bounce. The song is about standing tall and tapping into a darker side of self to tackle the pressures of life especially with the current pandemic in effect.
Bizzie’s recent E-Motion EP has gained over 500k views on YouTube and over 100k plays on Spotify with support from Link up TV and Sentric Music. He has released five EP’s to date which earned him 2 nominations at the Urban Music Awards for Best Male and Best R&B, Radio support by Charlie Sloth (BBC 1xtra), and features with Ghetts, Frisco, and Wretch 32.
Produced by Cee Figz (Pocaan, Fredo, Tion Wayne), ‘Pressure’ was released last Friday (6th November). Have a listen below…
UK-based R&B/pop singer-songwriter ELIZZA‘s music video for third single of the year, ‘London Eyes’, is a love letter to all the memories she has made in the beautiful city that she calls home.
“The story is about my love and “sometimes” hate relationship with London. Since I moved here, I have been falling deeply in love with it but also find myself struggling to accept all that is London. “London Eyes” talks about how I feel the city is “keeping eyes” on me and not letting me go.” – Elizza.
‘London Eyes’ follows a run of popular singles that include ‘Can’t Quit’, ‘Want To Keep’ (produced by Rak-Su’s Myles Stephenson) and her summer hit ‘Habit’. She has been tipped as “one to watch” by Wonderland Magazine and “dreamy, poetic and honest” by Rollacoaster Magazine; .
As well as press acclaim, ELIZZA has been championed by her collaborator and producer Myles, and has also featured on BBC Introducing, BBC Radio London, Pulse 88 Radio, Westside Radio and FUBAR Radio.
Expect the release of an EP release later this year…but for now, check out the video for ‘London Eyes’…
Soul-stirring and culturally immersed, East London’s hottest DJ and production duo 633 return with their release of single ‘Take Control’ featuring Nizzy, Drowze, Kidalpha and OB Flamez.
Making a strong entry to 2020 by working with artists including KSI, AJ Tracey and JME, 633 also dropped their debut single ‘Run Around’, which received strong support across Kiss Fresh, BBC Radio 1Xtra, theresnosignal and over 120,000 streams via Spotify. In addition to their production and artist elevation, long-term friends Jevanni Letford (“Royal Wedding DJ” / KSI’s Official DJ / Reprezent Radio) and Eugene Diabour (D Double E), haven’t stopped to take the foot off the gas, with the year seeing them perform at the worlds biggest radio rave ‘Kiss Fest’ alongside names including Calvin Harris, Joel Corry, Gorgon City and Rachel Anson. The final piece of the 2020 puzzle comes as their sophomore release, ‘Take Control’ touches down and they tip it to be the “biggest close to the year.”
Mapping out their own exceptional solo careers respectively, Jevanni has built a strong name as a DJ seeing him support and work with the likes of Skepta, Nile Rogers, Tinie Tempah, Talib Kweli and Kanye West as well as appearing on BBC Sports Relief and making a cameo in the 2018 Snickers TV ad as DJ in Sir Elton John’s hip hop house party. Eugene has gained credits and worked with Cheryl, Kele le Roc, UK hip hop Legend Sway as well as D Double E, Fallacy and many others, so the combination of talents to form the duo, aided by their lengthy friendship, is proving to be a magnificent one.
North London’s Blues singer GEORGIA BLACK‘s single, ‘Invisible Enemy’ was written at the very start of the lockdown and was inspired by a conversation Georgia had with a colleague of hers, Roberta – Georgia works as a Learning Support Assistant in a college for her day job.
New Lease Music 