Tag: neo soul

OUT TODAY: Watch Masego’s Video For Single, ‘You Never Visit Me.’

Today, MASEGO shared the official video for his new single, ‘You Never Visit Me.’ The GRAMMY®-nominated artist shot the video in Brazil with director Malison Soares. While Masego savors all that the lush, tropical environment has to offer – the stunning coastline, the cobblestone alleys, gathering with friends to eat, ride motorcycles and party – he still yearns for a lover that may never return.

‘You Never Visit Me’ has amassed over three million combined global streams since its release last month. The jazz/hip-hop/R’n’B multi-instrumentalist prodigy recorded ‘You Never Visit Me’ with GRAMMY®-winning producer Wu10 (J. Cole, Ari Lennox) and Todd Pritchard (Trippie Redd, Tinashe) at Wu10’s Huntsville, AL studio, and with co-producer Louie Lastic (Kehlani, Ambré) in Los Angeles.

Masego, who has amassed nearly two billion combined global streams in his career to date, will kick off the You Never Visit Me Tour in March with a series of West Coast shows. The North American headline run will include two nights at New York City’s Terminal 5 (April 1 & 2) and a pair of shows at The Wiltern in Los Angeles (April 27 & 28). For itinerary and tickets, visit https://www.masegomusic.com/.

Following the 2018 release of his debut album, ‘Lady Lady’ – which contained the breakout hit ‘Tadow,’ has been certified Platinum in the U.S., Diamond in Brazil and Gold in Mexico – Masego embarked on a multi-year headline tour that found him selling out shows and playing festivals on every continent but Antarctica. Studying Abroad: Extended Stay, the deluxe edition of his acclaimed EP, earned a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album. The collection included the RIAA Gold-certified hit ‘Mystery Lady Ft.’ Don Toliver.

Check out the stunning video below…

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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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Song of the Day: You Never Visit Me – Masego

GRAMMY®-nominated artist MASEGO‘s latest single, ‘You Never Visit Me,’ is a heartfelt reflection on the way love can fall by the wayside while chasing one’s dreams. The jazz/hip-hop/R’n’B multi-instrumentalist prodigy recorded the track with GRAMMY®-winning producer Wu10 (J. Cole, Ari Lennox) and Todd Pritchard (Trippie Redd, Tinashe) at Wu10’s Huntsville, AL studio, and with co-producer Louie Lastic (Kehlani, Ambré) in Los Angeles. Justus West (Alicia Keys, John Legend) joins on electric guitar.

Masego, who has amassed nearly two billion combined global streams in his career to date, is currently touring Europe in support of Studying Abroad: Extended Stay, the deluxe edition of his acclaimed EP, which earned a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album. The sold-out Australian leg of the tour included a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Studying Abroad: Extended Stay includes the Gold-certified hit ‘Mystery Lady’ Ft. Don Toliver.

Following the 2018 release of his debut album, ‘Lady Lady’ – which contained the breakout hit ‘Tadow,’ which has been certified Platinum in the U.S., Diamond in Brazil and Gold in Mexico – Masego embarked on a multi-year headline tour that found him selling out shows and playing festivals on every continent but Antarctica.

The sultry single follows ‘Say You Want Me,’ another track from Masego’s forthcoming album. Check it out below…

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Watch Qbanaa’s New Video For Debut Single, ‘Truth and Desire’

Cuban/Irish singer-songwriter QBANAA (pronounced Cubana) has shared the video her debut single ‘Truth and Desire’.Filmed in gorgeous Dublin spots at Killiney Beach and the Botanic Gardens, the music video is simple yet visually aesthetic, translating the lust, mysteriousness and flirtatiousness in Qbanaa’s song. Outfits were styled by Eoin Gavin, who brought the ethereal visuals with light, simple and delicate pieces.

With a catchy bass line and soulful vocals ‘Truth and Desire’ mixes Qbanaa’s Spanish and English native tongues to create a flirty song celebrating the euphoria of re-discovering love after long periods of loneliness and includes choir-like sections resembling the honeymoon period of new lovers.

The debut single has already been featured on Eric Alper (who’s worked with Ringo Star, Bob Geldoff, Sinead O’Connor to name a few) and four Spotify editorial playlists; ‘A Breath of Fresh Eire’, ‘LED Lights’, ‘Fresh Finds UK and IE’ and ‘the Night Bus Edit’ and has been featured on Worldwide FM, Nialler 9, Hot Press and Golden Plec, to name a few.

Qbanaa will follow-up with single ‘Creative perfection’, produced and mixed by Dan Doherty in Darklands, who has worked with Fontaines, Damien Dempsey and Coolio (RIP)…but for now, watch the official video for ‘Truth and Desire’, directed by Niamh Bryson and shot by JP Quill…

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OUT TODAY: Listen To Qbanaa’s Debut Single, ‘Truth and Desire’

Citing Erykah Badu, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kali Uchis, Khruangbin, Amy Winehouse and Greentea Peng as inspirations, Cuban/Irish jazzy neo-soul singer-songwriter OBANAA – pronounced Cubana- has released her debut single ‘Truth and Desire’.

With a catchy bassline and soulful vocals ‘Truth and Desire’ mixes Qbanaa’s Spanish and English native tongues to create a flirty song celebrating the euphoria of re-discovering love after long periods of loneliness and includes choir like sections resembling the honeymoon period of new lovers.

Qbanaa explains the inspiration of ‘Truth and Desire’: “The song was inspired by 1989 and 2008 movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ – I’m sure people will think ‘oh that’s a bit weird’. But if you look into it, there’s some insane soul and beautiful ethereal sounds in there that I took inspiration from. The movie is all about the unconditional nature of pure love, and the universal power of music, which really resonated with me growing up and carries the theme of Truth and Desire, it was the first thing I thought of when I opened the track.’

Qbanaa’s collaboration ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘New Day’ with Absentee was well received, featuring on BBC Across The Line, Hot Press, Peter Curtin RTE 2XM and Nialler9’s Best New Music playlist. With such warm feedback, she took to South East London by herself to immerse herself in the jazz/soul scene. Sharpening her skills with live performances at multiple jazz venues in London and venues in Dublin, Qbanaa has finally decided to take the plunge and write her debut single with R&B and hip-hop producer Mickzart – Truth and Desire.

‘Truth and Desire’ is out today (7th of October) across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

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