Coming straight out of South London, CiiMATiX have dropped their debut single ‘FR33MND’, released last Friday (6th March).
With strong leanings towards grime, UK garage, rock, reggae, soul, world music and jazz, the collective comes through with conscious songwriting, self-exploration and experimentation, akin to Wretch 32, Octavian, Kojey Radical or EarthGang,
‘FR33MND’ forms part of their forthcoming debut EP ‘CiiMATiX Vol 1’, set for release in May, and will be followed by their debut visual album ‘Sound Mind’ in the autumn. This is a great introduction to the guys…check out ‘FR33MND’ below…
Five-piece act, HOUSE ABOVE THE SUN‘s latest EP, ‘Time I Got Goin,’ carries on their neat theme of upbeat, feather light indie folk/rock/Americana from their 2017 EP, ‘Five Hours North’ (featured through intro single ‘Trains’ and ‘Time I Got Goin) but with a hint of bluesy country soul.
‘Small Town’ and ‘Footsteps’ are probably the best pieces that showcase their new-found sound, where an indie rock/folk combo serves as the perfect backdrop for the twang of that county soul.
In addition to their take on alternative folk/rock music, a retro/grunge-esque fusion presents itself through ‘The Bitter Life of Little Tony Starfish’ which gives the production a hazy and slight sparky feel.
It’s a real delight to see these South Londoners back on track with a range of genres – that I never expected – to their already established sound.
Making moves on the underground over the last year, KID TANA has been building an impressive portfolio of music, catching the eye of major UK Rap platforms including Link Up TV and GRM Daily.
The rising West London star is full of promise as he heads into 2020 with his first joint of the year ‘Paranoid’. Effortlessly transitioning between flows with an exceptional flair for storytelling and lyricism, Kid Tana is in a space of discovery where all the UK greats have risen from over recent years.
Produced by Akamoshen, ‘Paranoid’ samples the haunting strings of R&B classic ’Tell Me’ from Bobby Valentino, bringing with it a soulful edge to the hard bars and chaos of Kid Tana’s cold street tales. The record beats with emotion and depth as Kid Tana really comes into his own with this drop and is clearly enjoying the fruits of his studio time and ongoing musical experience and knowledge.
Following on from his well-received drop ‘Buju Banton’ and tracks including ‘Billie Jean’ and the ‘Killin Dem Remix’ with Muckass, Kid Tana has also boxed off a string of freestyles for Link Up TV and Bl@ckbox, which have spawned a slew of comments that tipped him as “up next” and “one to watch”.
Following on the release of her debut Hate EP in late 2018, Hackney rapper NICKI KNIGHTZ – who’s part of seminal duo,The Knighthood Society with producer/rapper Henny Knightz – returns with video for track, ‘Blacker the Berry’, the first release from her forthcoming EP, ‘For the Uninformed’.
The latest release pays an unconvoluted tribute to her Nigerian father and his strong work ethic. The video plays on the typical African Uncle, unrestrained and at ease, but eternally the master of his own affairs. Fiercely independent and possessing deep contempt for the police, Uncle is played by none other than Top Boy’s actor and fellow Hacktonian, Alessandro Babalola.
Expect more music on the way from this boisterous spitter…for now click play on the video below…
Inspired by Wong Kar-Wai’s romantic film, ‘Mood For Love’, FIFI RONG’s self-produced single, ‘Love Is A Lonely Thing’ is a three-part production which takes on a different dimension to Valentine’s Day (watch the videos here). Narrated by the Chinese-British singer/songwriter’s delicate and well-poised vocal performance, ‘Love Is A Lonely Thing’ tells a story of an unrequited love story.
With distinctive blends of popular Western music (Avant-garde pop and hazy electronica) and Chinese influences, the first release of the year gives a taste of her upcoming album, slated for release later in the year.
2019 was a great year for Fifi as she became the fifth artist to be signed globally by W Records– a new music initiative from the iconic W Hotels – and recorded singles, ‘Farewell to Cambridge’ and ‘Way Out’, debuted at W Xi’an and W Shanghai (The Bund) as a part of her most successful China tour to date.
This year will see the bilingual songstress working on more interesting and quirky material for her forthcoming album. After working with the likes of Tricky, Phaeleh, Yello and Skepta, Fifi also set her sights on collaborating with more big names as well as planning a tour in the UK and China (dates to be announced on her website.)
Gaining firm support from the likes of The Clash, Fader Magazine, Pigeon and Planes, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 Music, Fifi’s intricately intimate setting of ‘Love Is A Lonely Thing’ could do no harm but push her further into the limelight…
‘Love Is A Lonely Thing’ is out today onall reputable music platforms. Check out the video for single’s Trilogy below…