Following the releases of mixtapes, ‘Nation of Domination’ and ‘Dangerous Alliance’, Philly emcees Scorsese Lorde Jones, BIGSPITGAME, PR The Great, and Black – aka THE GVNG – has returned after a hiatus with their first new track, ‘Ahmed Johnson’, coming from their first official album tentatively titled ‘GVNG.’
‘Ahmed Johnson’ features Scorsese, PR the Great, and Black getting busy over a downtempo/wavy Da Ghawd production. GVNG member Scorsese, along with Jason Griff, was previously featured on the blog with collaborative album, ‘Dream Team: A Stokely Hathaway Joint’, once named Album of the Week by the blog….check it out sometime.
But for now, have a dig at ‘Ahmed Johnson’, released on Tuesday (12th November)
Following singles ‘One God Damn’ and ‘Baby Books’, the Bright-based artist MICHAEL BAKER reveals another piece of empathic songwriting in ‘Past The Evening’ from his forthcoming album, ‘Salt’ out next year.
This time around, not only are we treated to the Anglo-French musician’s serene soundscape, but also his authentic performance style which shows Baker as someone deeply connected to his craft. Sonically rich throughout, ‘Past The Evening’ is connected to one of Baker’s personal life moments.
Speaking of the intimate release, Baker says: “I remember that feeling of listening to vinyl records and how an album can fill a room. In this song I talk about listening to ‘Ring Of Fire’ by Johnny Cash in my university days as it was one of the first vinyls I got at an old charity shop. The music industry can feel like an uphill struggle, but this track is about remembering why I got into music in the first place, a reminder to sow down enough to keep enjoying the process. This song is my realisation that I don’t think I’ll ever stop making music. Maybe not for everyone else, but just for me.”
Check out the lyric video below and sing along to Baker’s nostalgic single…
Philly songwriter Adam Hachey – aka TUNNEL TRAFFIC – tries something a little different with his brand new single, ‘Another Story’, released yesterday (12th November).
For a change, Hachey steps back and makes way for singer and long collaborator, Jacky Muñoz’s feathery vocal instrument to wash over the nostalgic, shoe glaze – esque arrangements.
‘Another Story’ serves as the first teaser from his upcoming LP, ‘Age of Convictions’, set for release next month. Hachey will release a single each week, until the arrival of the album
Get the first taste of the album and have a listen to ‘Another Story’ below…
Genre-blending Danish group MARSHALL CECIL‘s poignant latest cut, ‘Soliloquy (Wouldn’t Feel Alone)’ – out now through their own label Heady – takes the listener on a symbolic journey through frontman Daniel Abraham’s mind.
Speaking on the track, the lead singer and songwriter explains; “It’s a self-examining conversation with myself that spins out of control and ends in a cathartic rap. It’s a song open for interpretation but for me, it’s about the relationship between excessive self-examination and loneliness.”
Addressing social isolation, a phenomenon increasingly common in an era where the physical is being replaced by the digital, the visuals feature auto-fictional elements including iPhone clips, personal footage from the trio’s recording sessions and live shows, alongside more intimate images showing a glimpse of the lead singer’s daily life.
Born from a close collaboration between the band and directors to create a visual story that draws from the song’s deeply afflicting and raw lyrics perfectly depicting “loneliness, this complex and unpleasant emotional response to isolation,” explains Daniel, talking about the concept behind the song and video. “We’re exploring loneliness while being surrounded by people. Sometimes the answer to our isolation is right in front of us – companionship – but we’re usually too busy finding the answers within ourselves. The song and video are not an answer to this problem – rather an abstract depiction of it’’.
Having made their mark on the international music scene with a series of enthralling singles and videos, gaining praise from the likes of Vice/Noisey and Clash Magazine, and notching up memorable live performances at some of the biggest international festivals including Reeperbahn and Roskilde – MARSHALL CECILl is not like any other band out there. Using their individual production skills, fusing elements from r&b, pop, hip-hop, with ‘Soliloquy’ they created a unique and potent music formula, one that is both triumphant, forward-thinking and touching at the same time.
Singer, songwriter and record producer, TERI ELOISE is calling out all the emotional vampires for her latest single ‘Toxicity’, a fierce and riveting trap infused pop song that showcases a never before seen or heard side of the 22 year old artist.
The track’s distinctive sound was produced, mixed and mastered by Richard Mcclashie – aka M.R.I. – a fellow Caribbean producer who has worked with the likes of Post Malone, Cardi B, French Montana and Caribbean heavyweights Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel and Shenseea.
In contrast to her sweet, bright and summery single, ‘Common Sense’ which laments the idea of being blinded by infatuation, ‘Toxicity’ delves into a darker aesthetic with fiercely direct and defiant lyrics over an infectious trap beat.
Lyrically, ‘Toxicity’ embodies impeccable word play that fires up a fierce and resilient attitude, juxtaposed perfectly with her airy-toned yet commanding vocals. “Your toxicity is too persistent, and I’m just tryna keep the peace consistent” Teri chants, followed by savagely written verses which directly point out negative unhealthy traits of a toxic relationship. Teri ends the song singing “I don’t want it, get out of my way” and there is no denying that this is an anthem for anyone who is over toxic relationships and ready to fight back. Once again, the British born, Trinidadian raised songwriter shows her ability to express loaded emotional experiences in a way that is very relatable.
Since its release late last month, ‘Toxicity’ received support from the likes of BBC Introducing as well as Dan Blakes’ set on Pulse88 Radio.
This one’s a must listen…check out ‘Toxicity’ below…
Following the releases of mixtapes, ‘Nation of Domination’ and ‘Dangerous Alliance’, Philly emcees Scorsese Lorde Jones, BIGSPITGAME, PR The Great, and Black – aka THE GVNG – has returned after a hiatus with their first new track, ‘Ahmed Johnson’, coming from their first official album tentatively titled ‘GVNG.’
