Tag: lyric video

OUT TODAY: Listen To AKS’ single, ‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’

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.

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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.

Check out the lyric video for the single below…

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Ryan Whyte Maloney’s Latest Single, ‘I Am The One’ Tackles Depression And Suicide

Featuring melodic guitar riffs and light percussion, RYAN WHYTE MALONEY‘s new single, ‘I Am the One’ was written in one of the darkest times of his life. Fueled by negative feelings and traumatic past experiences that left a deep scar in his being, Ryan pushed through it all and channeled those feelings to make art.

‘I Am the One’ contains a strong anti-suicide message, in words of Ryan himself about this song: “I hope this song can be a mantra or a beacon of light in your life to merely say you’re not alone and everyone thinks of the dark thoughts that appear like a dark twin mirrored reflection. Wipe away that tearful reflection and know that tomorrow is another day to see what you’re still capable of becoming. You are worthy of live and were put on this earth to give energy and to be a working cog in this game of life. It’s never too late to start over again, it’s hard but every happy ending starts with a first step, so take yours today and make HISTORY remember you!”

Check out the lyric video for the single below…

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Vogues Releases Touching Single, ‘Tony & Moses’

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Released today (14th October), VOGUES’ second single, ‘Tony & Moses’ possess a soulful, laser-focused example of modern alternative pop, which chronicles the idea of losing someone. Written from the perspective of the one left behind, it succinctly captures the emotions of the character reckoning with loss.

Challenging the listener with unusual melody lines, yet delivering his lines with undeniable passion and sincerity, Londoner Vogues’ unique voice weaves elegantly around soothing strings, electronic drums and moving piano motifs.

Musically inspired by the likes of Julia Holter, Brian Eno, Group Listening and Penguin Cafe Orchestra – the name ‘Tony & Moses’ originally came from a video of Tony Allan teaching Moses Boyd how to drum afrobeat – which is where the drum machine pattern comes from – a very slowed-down afrobeat pattern tentatively played by Moses under Tony’s fixed stare.

‘Tony & Moses’ was originally written by Ted Mair, who along with Vogues make up part of The Golden Dregs’s live band.

Vogues says: “Ted sent me ‘Tony & Moses’ over lockdown and I instantly thought ‘I have to do a version of this’” explains Vogues. “The beauty of the song just really struck me. I asked him if he would allow me and if he wanted to collaborate on it. He had kinda distanced himself from it and thought it was going to lay dormant forever. However once I had a go at singing he was inspired to rearrange the instrumental, recording new material on double bass, clarinet, piano and bass guitar.”

Vogues counts artists including Dev Hynes and Solange as key sources of inspiration – and those influences can be heard within the soulful, diverse tracks he has released to date. Sounding in places like his voice has been lifted from a bygone era, Vogues, along with collaborators Benjamin Woods (AKA The Golden Dregs who produced Vogues’s debut single YH4M) and Ted Mair, neatly incorporate elements of soul, electronic and alternative pop to create something truly encapsulating.

‘Tony & Moses’ is out now via Nothing Fancy. Check out the lyric video for single below…

 

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Afro-Pop Star Oxlade Releases Lyric Video For New Single ‘DKT’

Following on from his EP ‘Oxygene’ – which amassed over 25 million streams across all platforms – three million streams in its first week – and his feature on Skip Marley’s single ‘Slow Down (alongside H.E.R and Davido), Afro-pop sensation OXLADE drops the lyric video for his sassy number, ‘DKT (Dis Kind Thing)’.

Starting out by dishing up music on Soundcloud in 2017, Lagos-based Oxlade released his first official single ‘Shugar’ the following year, which instantly caught the attention of hordes of music fans. Also known for the hit song ‘Sing’ with Fireboy DML and collaborations with acts such as Reekado Banks and DJ Tunez, another breakthrough moment for Oxlade was his feature on the Blaqbonez track ‘Mamiwota’ last year. Also in 2019, Oxlade featured alongside Sneakbo on Skengdo’s UK underground track ‘Brixton Boy’ and he performed to a 20,000-strong audience at the world famous O2 Arena in London at Wizkid’s Starboy Fest.

So you know you’re in good company here…check out the lyric video for ‘DKT’ below…

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Rising R&B Star Shamim Shares Single, ‘Intentional’

Coming on the back of the success of her debut single ‘Option & Priority’, which has seen her garner support from the likes of Kingsize Magazine, Guestlist Magazine, SingersRoom, Fame Magazine and Word Is Bond, South London R&B songstress SHAMIM is back with her fierce new single titled ‘Intentional’, taken from her forthcoming debut EP, which is due at the end of the year. The new offering ‘Intentional’ sees her linking up once again with burgeoning producer Amandeep Dhaliwal aka Clonez, who has previously worked with A2, Jevon and Sam Wise.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Intentional’, Shamim says, “this single was inspired by the current state of affairs across the world and I wanted it to project a sentimental hopeful message as we are all living in quite confusing times. I have been struggling mentally to deal with ensuing challenges, as are many other people, but creating this song has given me a healthy space to be vulnerable with myself and the world, and that’s why ‘Intentional’ comes with such a hopeful sentiment, while my message of self-worth also aims to be uplifting and motivational.”

Highly recommended if you like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jorja Smith, Summer Walker or SZA, Shamim is already showing all the early signs of an R&B star in the making, and she is excited to stake her claim as one of the UK’s brightest new talents with her anticipated debut project. Born in Uganda and raised in the UK to the musical influences of legends like Etta James, Nina Simone and Otis Redding, Shamim is driven by honesty in music and puts truth at the core of her message, with a determination to create with the same freedom and fearlessness as many of her idols.

Check out the lyric video for ‘Intentional’ below…

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