Tag: Music

Song of the Day: Leaves – Sann Rao

SANN RAO‘s latest offering, ‘Leaves’, is an introspective track that blends moody piano synths and punchy drums with soulful, expressive vocals, creating a vibe that’s both defiant and reflective. The song uses rich metaphors to express the superficiality and emptiness of certain figures in the music industry, while celebrating one’s authenticity and strong foundation. The song will be promoted with skits, a music video and short-form content.

“Leaves to me is about shallow relationships and the lack of authenticity in the music industry but also everyday life. (…) I talk about how I’m trying to live life differently to the people I’ve met and the meaningless interactions I’ve experienced.

(…) I want the listeners to have a better understanding of who I am as a person and I’d like them to see that I make music to contribute something truthful to the world” – Sann Rao

Sann Rao, a 27-year-old R&B sensation hailing from Surrey, UK, brings a unique and distinctive voice to the industry. Of Indian heritage, Sann’s vocal prowess is characterised by an impressive range that captivates audiences. His sound has earned him praise at open mic performances, where his hard work and dedication shine through.

Investing in his craft and driven by an unwavering belief in his talent, Sann is a relentless artist committed to pushing his musical boundaries. The singer-songwriter has garnered praise from both fellow musicians and new fans, who recognize his exceptional talent and eagerly anticipate his future releases.

In collaboration with BBC Radio Producer and frequent creative partner, Illatek, Sann Rao is building a lane for himself in the music landscape. Their latest release, ‘In 2 U,’ dropped mid December 2023 and has garnered over 9,000 listens on Spotify, contributing to their collective success of over 50,000 streams across their collaborations. The track made waves across the UK, with radio station shows such as BBC Radio and Kishmeister at Itch FM featuring the song in their rotations. Sann’s first official release, ‘Honest,’ which debuted in February 2024, has reached +15k streams on Spotify.

Currently under the representation of Oh Eight, a label and talent management services agency, Sann is poised to ascend to the next level of his musical journey. As he continues to evolve and enchant with his melodies, Sann Rao stands as a rising star in the R&B scene, leaving a mark on the industry with his one-of-a-kind voice and unwavering passion for the art.

Listen to ‘Leaves’ below…

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Birmingham Artist Lyco Returns With New Single ‘Crème De La Crème’ ft. Camidoh

The UK and Africa come together for a beautiful blending of sounds for LYCO and CAMIDOH‘s new single ‘Crème de la Crème’.

Nigerian born, UK raised singer/songwriter Lyco has been steadily releasing singles such as ‘Ice N Rum’ and ‘Gucci’ with artists such as Lotto Boyzz, Sneakbo, Ivorian Doll and 2Face, building a reputation for his melodic, smooth tracks.

His new single is a flavoursome, sexy, Summer sizzler with Lyco and Camidoh bringing Afrobeats vibes. Weaving in-between lyrics smoothly for a beautiful, mesmerising single, the two artists vocals fit perfectly together.

Lyco says on the track: “Creme de la Creme is a double edge sword. On one hand to the listener that isn’t paying full attention and is just enjoying beautiful melodies it’s a light-hearted summer song. On the other hand those who really take in what I’m saying will immediately feel the sensual nature of the adult themes I’m trying to describe with nuance. Truly the best of both worlds.”

LYCO is a multi-genre singer-songwriter hailing from Birmingham, United Kingdom. Being Nigerian born LYCO has been able to concoct beautiful new dramatic flavours into Afrobeat universe. He has written for the likes of Steff London, Ivorian Doll and Birmingham’s own Lotto Boyzz.

LYCO has also found massive success on the Tik Tok platform amassing over 100,000 followers through his comedy and documentary skits which has expanded his fanbase globally preparing the way for international success on all fronts.

Former known from Birmingham’s “LYCO X WXYNE” duo, LYCO has branched out in pursuit of a solo career to further express and deliver ground-breaking melodies that will transcend the Afrobeats movement both locally and abroad.

Listen to ‘Crème de la Crème’ below…

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Song of the Day: I’m Climbing – Ericka Nicole Malone

‘I’m Climbin”, is the powerful lead song from NAACP winning ERICKA NICOLE MALONE‘s documentary The Bucketwish. The song is a cathartic release, ushering in an era of abundance for Ericka Nicole Malone as ‘I’m Climbin” is a reminder to take the reins and set the course in pursuit of our wildest dreams.

The single lends its unique R&B meets neo-soul sound to songwriter Ericka Nicole Malone and producer Printz Board, a Grammy Award winner and co-writer of the anthemic ‘Where Is The Love?’ from the iconic music group, Black Eyed Peas. Malone’s soul-striking vocals collide over earthy bass lines and emboldening cascades of piano, offering listeners a profound and transcendent musical experience.

Ericka shares, “I penned “I’m Climbin’” as a lead song on the soundtrack to The Bucketwish because I want people to remember who they are and to keep climbing up the stairs of life to different levels no matter how hard it gets.”

Ericka is an NAACP award-winning filmmaker and songwriter who works to elevate female voices and creatives of color. Her new documentary, The Bucketwish is about pursuing unexplored passions, reminding viewers that it’s never too late to start a new journey. It is an intimate profile on Malone’s story, fears, and impending future ahead.

Listen to ‘I’m Climbin” below…

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The reveal of HANDSHAKE IN SPACE: Stefan Halling, the Anonymous Swedish EDM artist

“I lift the lid on my mental illness and in some way I hope I can help others.”

The identity behind the anonymous Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE has been revealed. The artist is none other than Stefan Halling, born in 1967 in Huddinge, Stockholm and now living in Rättvik.

The news spread after his daughter Nathalie posted a video on social media some time ago in which she talks about his inspiring mental journey over the past four years.

Four years ago, at the beginning of the pandemic, Stefan Halling was hit by several major difficulties. He first lost his father and shortly afterwards his job. These losses resulted in a long period of deep depression, panic attacks and dark thoughts. For a while the future seemed uncertain and very dark to Stefan.

Despite this difficult period, two years ago Stefan started creating music together with other creative people. Through music, he found a way to express his feelings and process his experiences. With the support of close friends and his dear family, he has slowly but surely regained his well-being and is now in a much better place in life.

In her video, daughter Nathalie shares the mental journey her father has undergone and points out how important it is to talk about mental illness in order to reduce the stigma surrounding it and supporting those who struggle.

Only now does Stefan feel that he is mature enough to start talking about his experiences and highlight the importance of seeking help when you feel bad. Through his music and his story, Stefan hopes to inspire others and show that there is hope even in the darkest moments.

Stefan Halling, under the pseudonym HANDSHAKE IN SPACE, has touched many with his music and his story is a strong example that it is possible to get through difficult times with support and creativity.

To check out HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s discography, head right here.

Follow HANDSHAKE IN SPACE via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/handshakeinspace
IG: https://www.instagram.com/handshake_in_space
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handshakeinspace

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Song of the Day: Wile Out – TC & The Groove Family

Ten-piece UK afro-fusion outfit TC & THE GROOVE FAMILY continue the rollout of their ‘We Have Each Other’ EP with simmering, jungle-tinged hip-hop cut ‘Wile Out’. Released via Bridge The Gap, the track is a cross city collaboration, bringing together two of the UK’s best underground hip-hop MC’s, BBCR1Xtra and SXSW-backed Birmingham MC SANITY, and Sheffield wordsmith Franz Von.

Building off of lead single ‘Stand Strong’, ‘Wile Out’ showcases the band’s darker electronic and UK bass influences. Growling, subbed-out bass tones, tight-knit hip-hop grooves, and furious horn lines develop into a double-time whirlwind of jungle and immersive turntablism, with lyrics from SANITY and Franz Von subverting the meaning of ‘Wiling Out’.

SANITY explains: “First hearing the track, I liked the idea and juxtaposition of Wile Out, as it’s a term with connotations of recklessness, or using energy carelessly amongst young people; but here, to ‘Wile Out’ is to challenge norms, not fall in line and utilise individuality to reach maaximum potential.”

Franz adds; “Wile Out is about doing what you love and enjoying it to the fullest, for me it’s music. The chorus echoes the advice from my mother to embrace life, to love myself and follow my dreams. This track is about sharing this advice and attitude to people around us.”

The EP ‘We Have Each Other’, released earlier this month, sees the band refine the sound debuted on their 2022 album ‘First Home’. Returning to work once again with producer Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, ONIPA), the project explores a darker sonic palette, channeling a deep appreciation of UK bass and electronic music alongside afro-jazz sounds and hip-hop sensibilities. Lead single ‘Stand Strong’ offers a great connection between eras of the band. Created as a love letter to afrobeat, the track offers a contemporary twist, integrating turntablism and Khruangbinesque guitar lines amongst infectious basslines and weaving horns.

The EP documents a time of change within the group – a new lineup, plus members living in different cities and pursuing various paths – whilst also reflecting the turbulent socio-political climate, and the major shifts and changes on the horizon for humanity. Despite the heavy subject material, the band strike an optimistic, uplifting tone, encouraging listeners to look around and embrace community, whatever that may look like. No one should be lonely when celebrating each other, and the band encourage an ethos that says ‘it’s good to be me, but it’s better to be us.’

Originally formed in Leeds, TC & The Groove Family’s sound reflects the diverse musical and cultural backgrounds at the core of the project, with songs exploring grooves and genres including afrobeat, broken beat, jungle, jazz and grime. Their music has drawn widespread acclaim, supported by tastemakers including Jamz Supernova and Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, Jazz FM, Rinse FM, Radio FIP and more. The group have performed at the likes of Glastonbury, We Out Here, Greenman and Boomtown, and will embark on a UK tour across May & June in support of the release of ‘We Have Each Other’.

Here’s your chance to check out ‘Wile Out’

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