Tag: Music

Pollena Offers Optimism In Dark Times With EP, ‘Rising.’

Following earlier tips from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Line of Best Fit, Notion, Radio 1/1Xtra, Under the Radar, Beats Per Minute, Earmilk – to name a few – London-based artist formerly of neo-soul outfit Girlhood – POLLENA returns with her debut EP ‘Rising’ on Team Talk Records.

Pollena isn’t afraid to tackle a darker world in her debut EP, finding power in the fight for a better life. ‘Rising’ stands out by giving us a reason for optimism even – especially – in challenging times. Featuring raw and honest themes delivered with Pollena’s signature rich, smooth vocals, the EP blends genres, from neo soul to house, electronica and RnB, in an accomplished celebration of individuality, resilience and vulnerability and a call for hope.

Co-written and co-produced with Barney Whittaker aka Footshooter, following the success of their previous collaboration ‘Stand Up’, ‘Rising’ reveals a fresh and rejuvenated sound for Pollena that melds together elements of neo-soul, house and RnB.

The leading ‘Black Holes’ is an exploration of spacey synths, glowing keys, and commanding bass lines accompanied by powerful yet ethereal vocals. “I’m searching for a way out of the darkness, trying to hold on to a glimpse of light through connection. ‘Black Holes’ speaks to our innate desire to feel whole and an understanding that good times shared together are the answer.” Pollena.

The following ‘Diamonds’ is a glowing house and UK garage-inspired bop with a powerful message. “I’m sick of society pressuring us into lives we don’t want. We blindly follow the paths set out for us and do what’s expected, we simply don’t have to. I want ‘Diamonds’ to encourage listeners to fight for a better life.” Pollena

‘Lemons’, the first release prior to the EP’s launch, reveals waves of sun-kissed harmonies accompanying glowing jazz keys and a rich, Latin-inspired rhythm to create a summer vibe full of hope and optimism. “I want to celebrate living a life that feels true to me and inspire others to do the same. ‘Lemons’ is all about slowing down and connecting with what makes you happy.” Pollena

Rounding up the EP is the hazy, lo-fi ‘Bask In Blue’. A mellow R&B beat blends warm, soulful harmonies with balmy keys. “Bask in Blue tells a story of letting uncomfortable feelings in and embracing sadness whilst holding onto the hope that things can change.” Pollena

So if you’re suffering from the January blues, I reckon this mini EP will offer up some comfort. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Black Holes, Lemons

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OUT TODAY: Espacio Dios ‘Collapse All Rules’ With First Release Of The Year

Boasting a wonderfully askew bassline, ESPACIO DIOS‘ brand new single, ‘Collapse All Rules,’ can be interpreted as a holistic submission to the significant other.

Speaking on the tenets of this song, Espacio Dios said “Collapse of All Rules was inspired by the beautiful ideas in life that were coming to me and in that moment; I was in a space where I felt like I could submit to the process and be vulnerable. Whether the outcome was/is bad or good, I still embraced it and took them as liberating moments where I was living in the now, the moment.”

The Pelo singer and producer goes on to describe the making of his newest single from his upcoming album; “I was in studio and I started with the beat first. I was trying to grasp on what I wanted the song to be about so I just freestyled. I played around a lot and I was super happy with the result. That’s when I solidified the verses and eventually, the song came together.”

Espacio Dios fans can look forward to more singles ahead of his album release later in the year – following the release of Pelo featuring Maglera Doe Boy…but for now, listen to ‘Collapse All Rules’ below…

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Jovaan Comes Through With His Highly-Anticipated Album, ‘Drafted.’

Puerto Rican urban rising singer JOVAAN‘s (pictured on the right) highly anticipated solo album’ Drafted’ features the focus track ‘Embustera,’ a collaboration featuring Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar Wisin. The upbeat urban/Latin track song showcases Jovaan and Wisin’s rap styles in a catchy rhythm that transports you to the club and puts you in the mood to dance and have a great time.

Jovaan opted to define his sound through the release of ‘Drafted’, with nine unique tracks including a bonus track, ‘Bape Remix’ that features his recently released collaboration with some of the hottest names in Latin urban music like Brray, Jon Z, Kevvo, Yovng Chimi, and Nengo Flow. ‘Drafted’ shows what a complete artist Jovaan is, delivering performances that range from intense and emotional.

In this album, Jovaan plays with the Latin urban genre, mixing a lot of reggaeton, drill, and trap, creating an experience that is perfect for going to the club, listening during long drives, or just blasting to yourself.

Jovaan began his music career at the age of 18, when he came to the realization that music was his passion. It wasn’t much later, when he gained recognition for the spanish version of ‘Woopty,’ which garnered over 400k+ views on YouTube. This up-and-coming artist’s main style emphasizes Drill & Trap, a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in the Chicago streets in the early 2010s. However, he does not limit himself from exploring all types of music genres. In 2021, Jovaan released ‘Umaga’ in which he solidified Drill and then continued to do so by introducing ‘BAPE’ alongside Brray, which was praised by the public.

In 2022, Jovaan signed on with urban record label WHITELION. Just wait to see what is in store for this new blood artist this year as he sets a new precedent for the future of Urban music. Have a listen to the sizzling hot project below…

Must Listens: BBSIMONS, Embustera, Oscar, Mas Na

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Jake Huffman Shares Euphoric Indie Single, ‘Martyr’

Connecticut born and bred artist Jake Huffman creates a euphoric realm of indie pop rock, bringing his anthemic energy to a global audience. As lead vocalist and drummer, the multi-instrumentalist was previously known for his time in the viral alt rock band, McLovins. Having taken the time to rediscover who he is as a solo artist, Huffman returns with a complete arsenal of new music, all of which has been entirely written, performed and produced by Jake himself.

His first single of 2023, “Martyr” a cohesive ode to his upcoming EP. With compelling discourses, the track explores a commentary about dying on a hill, as he explains, “The lyrics aren’t about what I personally believe. Everywhere I look people are spouting their beliefs while contradicting themselves in the same breath. The world has become so polarizing and I wanted this song to encapsulate that energy.” With the perfect punch of redemption, his musicality comes to life. Huffman’s anthemic vocal energy rises atop crashing choruses, soaring melodies and the alt-rock infused rhythms he’s been known to possess. With broadening soundscapes and truly impeccable capability, it’s Huffman’s hope that listeners will take what they need from the song, as he explores a journey into creativity. Accompanied by a sound that pulls deep from his rock roots and reaches far into what can only be described as the sound of the 20’s, his latest single consolidates his status as an exceptional talent.

Huffman’s latest project is an amalgamation of his musical influences and vast heritage of experience. At the age of 14, Huffman and his band McLovins posted on YouTube a cover of Phish’s ‘You Enjoy Myself’ from his parents basement in Connecticut. Overnight the video went viral and sparked a rabid following of fans around the world. Since then, he has shared the stage with Blink-182, Foster The People, BB King and The Flaming Lips.

Huffman has garnered humbling praise from the likes of the Rolling Stone, US Weekly, NPR and legendary XPN Radio Programming Director and DJ Bruce Warren, as well as also having caught the attention of Emmy, Grammy and Tony award-winning producer and composer Bill Sherman (Hamilton, In The Heights, Sesame Street) and Glee producer Michael Novick. Meanwhile on television, the musician has left an imprint as a composer and lyricist for Sesame Street, writing dozens of songs for artists like Ed Sheeran and Leon Bridges.

With plenty more on the horizon, it looks like 2023 will be an explosive year for Jake Huffman…have a listen to ‘Martyr’ below…

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Song of the Day: Crossroads – Denel

DENEL‘s latest single ‘Crossroads’ is compelling right from the beginning, with the dark R&B/pop infused undertones, accompanied by a synth and heavy bass production. The thought-provoking tune is self-produced and written by the South African born, New Zealand bred artist who showcases his talents through beat-making and lyrical prowess to tell a story of unification and the need for one’s own validation.

Denel comments on ‘Crossroads’, “We’re constantly in a state of chasing the next big thing, staying validated and sometimes all of this comes at the detriment of our own selves. I think it’s so important to know your identity and be comfortable with who you are. That’s really what this song is all about.”

His previous track ‘Make It Right’ enjoyed a number eight spot on the NZ Hot 20 in its first week and has attained over 177,000 streams on Spotify alone. Its music video was nominated for ‘Best Music Video’ at Sony’s Catch Light Film festival held in Sydney last year.

Denel has set his sights on diversifying his audience, making music that appeals to people of all ages. 2023 has its own set of goals in mind for the singer-songwriter and producer…Check out his smooth joint below…

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