Tag: new album 2022

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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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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BeKreative Closes 2022 with Album, ‘King of Time.’

After his lengthy hiatus away from the scene, BEKREATIVE kept his promise to deliver a stream of music.

Well here it is…his full-length album titled ‘King Of Time’ released last Monday (12th December) across all music platforms. Whilst most artists dish out tracks that are suited for the festive season, BeKreative went a different direction and slams down 16-tracks that are suited for a playlist of a house party.

Featuring previously released tracks, ‘Roadtrip’, ‘Fenin’ and ‘Slowjamz’, the electric project bounces between variations of hip-hop and afterhours R&B with pop and tropical afrobeat influences. Before disappearing from the music scene in his hometown (Houston), he was quickly becoming known for his straight-up R&B/Hip-hop cuts. Now experimenting with various styles, he’s hoping his name would reach a wider audience with his new album…Why not check it out and the song recommendations below…

Must Listens: Bag Race, GoGetIt, Fenin, Still

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Franz Von Drops Five-Track EP, ‘People Di Powa’.

FRANZ VON has shared his highly anticipated EP ‘People Di Powa’ alongside lead single ‘Asem’, featuring the unmistakeable flow of prolific Ghanaian vocalist, K.O.G.

Fusing tribal hip-hop with elements of jazz, dub and afrobeat, the EP blends powerful spoken word and rap with social commentary and explores the ongoing issue of systemic oppression. ‘People Di Powa’ is a reminder that we are powerful as individuals and even more so as autonomous communities. 

Fittingly for an EP about community, Franz is joined by a talented cohort of special guests lending their vocal talents – Cortney Dixon, Nikisha in the Woods, Cynthia Bahy, and K.O.G. all feature whilst the production is a collaboration from Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist/Onipa), Lucian Oniell, Labo Klandestino, Mark Stoney, and Toni Smoke.

The EP opens with Franz Von’s trademark bouncing flow on ‘We All Rise’ – “Indulging in the depth of the riddim / The realest therapy the remedy / Medicated taking doses of melodies / Boost the energy sacred chakra replenishes so effortless the specialist” before Nikisha in the Woods adds her vibrant vocal hook.

Next up is ‘Power Be You’, the centrepiece of the EP’s message of empowerment that encourages listeners to engage and embrace their inner strength. Cynthia Bahy features on previous single ‘Her Frequency’ – a song of hope and gratitude focusing on renewing our inner strength and connection with the infinite power of the universe.

Standout track on the record ‘Asem’ – which means ‘problems’ in the Ashanti language ‘Twi’ spoken in Ghana – is an upbeat, genre-bending banger which infuses Boom Bap hip-hop and rock whilst long-term collaborator K.O.G. shares a fierce delivery.

Speaking about the single Franz says, “Asem is a bold and rebellious social commentary rap. The song touches on the effects of systemic oppression on marginalised communities. Asem has a message of the connection and togetherness that can be found in collaborations between different communities”.

The EP closes with ‘Slipstream’ featuring Cortney Dixon, a slick rap cruiser with a hazy hook that compliments Franz Von’s striking tone perfectly.

A project packed with substance and meaning, ‘PEOPLE DI POWA’ is a much-needed breath of fresh air in Black British music.

Previous support for Franz comes from BBC Introducing Sheffield and Amazing Radio who handed him a one-off show, as well as BBC Introducing at Radio 1 and DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, Ministry of Sound, Naga Mag, Word Is Bond, Groovin’ Mood, and more.

Franz Von is a Jamaican-born, UK-based artist exploring traditional cultural lineage from Africa through to modern genres. After 8 years playing with K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, Franz Von has collaborated with the likes of Tony Allen, Onipa, and Wiyaala. 

Check out the EP below…

Must Listen: Asem

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Mae Krell Shares Closes 2022 with imposter syndrome (b-sides)

New York-based singer and songwriter MAE KRELL is closing out the year with the release of the ‘imposter syndrome (b-sides),’ which features singles, ‘tooth fairy’ and ‘(like) spring’ both written during the ‘imposter syndrome’ sessions. After the EP release, Mae revisited the unreleased demos with her producer Jakob Leventhal and decided to rework these two tracks.

“A lot of times my favorite tracks from an artist are the ones that almost didn’t make it out, so I thought it would be only fair to give people a chance to love these songs the way I love some almost-forgotten-about ones,” she says.

Mae released ‘tooth fairy,’ a heart wrenching track about realizing you may be better off without someone you thought you couldn’t live without, as a standalone single earlier this year. “(like) spring” rounds out the B-sides collection. A sparse, hypnotic and enchanting listen, “(like) spring” is a song about falling in love for the first time.

Elaborating on the new track, Mae writes: “I fell in love for the first time in February 2020 and by the end of the year I had followed her to a different state. Although I was away from my friends and family, I still had a feeling of home and belonging- thanks to her. Writing (like) spring originally started as me being fearful and lonely and trying to figure out why, and it led to a love song. For the places I never saw myself being happy in, until I was. For the neighbors and routines I didn’t think much about in the moment, until I moved away and started to miss them. And most importantly, it’s a love song for the girl who made me realize that I could write one, after thinking that I absolutely never would.”

At just 23 years old, Mae exudes a musicality wise beyond her years. Influenced by revered singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Phoebe Bridgers and Gregory Alan Isakov, Mae writes intimate reflections that confront past trauma, self-love and personal truths. With a distinct folk-pop sound and undeniable lyrical prowess, she has earned millions of streams across her repertoire with multiple tracks breaking 500K.

Her 4-track EP, ‘imposter syndrome,’ was released in early 2022 and instantly struck a chord with fans and tastemakers alike, with PRIDE aptly describing it as “an intimate and heart-wrenching dissection of the unavoidable self-doubt we all experience in our 20s.” This year has also seen Mae embark on two different tours, one supporting Ethan Jewell and a SoFar Sounds series that runs until the end of the year.

Listen to ‘imposter syndrome (b-sides)’ was released last Friday (2nd December) on all streaming platforms. Have a listen below…

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