OUT TODAY: Jozem exposes the moody side to summer with his indie-R&B EP, Summerhaze

A sombre, bed of airy soundscapes introduces JOZEM‘s new EP, ‘Summerhaze’, through track, ‘Foolish Heart’, where the tranquility of Rwanda-born, Toronto-based artist’s vocals offer a place of escapism, introspection and even retrospection during a season that’s associated with having pure unadulterated fun.

Although the EP is described as a body of work that displays ‘a moody side of summer’, which peeks into Jozem’s many life experiences and those who are close to him, personally the five-track project could also be described as a transitional EP from Summer to Autumn – a season that prepare us for hibernation and a period of some serious self-discovery and perhaps reflecting on loss of friendships, relationships strains and heartache of losing a love interest, releasing all those pent up issues and coming out the other end renewed and healed. As these themes of self-discovery and introspection runs potent throughout the EP, ‘Summerhaze’ is also a gentle reminder of recognising the real cheerleaders in your life when times get a little rough.

The perfect example of this is through title track, ‘Summerhaze’, which reflects on an experience with one of Jozem’s close friends, who was going through a rough patch and, like most of us, that person would put on a brave face to mask the pain – even though Jozem could see right through the mask and feel his friend’s pain. He may have felt helpless at the time, but Jozem has learnt a valuable lesson from the experience that ring loud in the track – and that lesson is that it’s not a sign of weakness to reach out and confide in someone who you truly trust.

Soft layers of electronic soundscapes begins to make its presence known in ‘Test’ and ‘Waiting, Soft’ concluding the EP perfectly which, personally, radiates some sense of hope and optimism through the muddy maze, that’s unfortunately called life.

‘Summerhaze’ EP is now out today (29th August), via various music platforms. Why not enter into Jozem’s world below…

Must Listens: Summerhaze

Connect with Jozem via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/followjozem
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jozem__/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jozem
Website:https://www.iamjozem.com/

Britain’s Got Talent star Nick Edwards shares stunning EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’.

If you’re a massive Britain’s Got Talent fan, you may recognise this guy – NICK EDWARDS.

Since finishing up in the semi-finals in series 15 on the talent show, the dad-of-two has been making leaps and bounds, particularly in the country music scene around the world. His latest EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’, may just be the ticket to further cement his place in the country music community.

Recorded at Sheffield’s infamous Yellow Arch Studios, where a string of award-winning albums were produced for the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Kylie Minogue, Jarvis Cocker and Franz Von, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’ forms four captivating live performances, where Nick’s robustly soulful vocals introduces the set through ‘All That You Can Give’, accompanied by guitar licks creating an intimate setting which radiates a tranquil glow.

The EP continues with the comforting glow with a breathtaking cover of War & Treaty’s monster hit, ‘That’s How Love Is Made’. While still maintaining the huskiness that was pleasantly apparent at the beginning of the EP, Nick’s vocals turns all emotive, which compliments the woeful violins and soft soulful bass – all which perfectly gives a new appreciation to the original song.

That warm soulful glow really begins to shine through and concludes the EP perfectly with ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ and ‘Trouble’ which, together with the gleeful violin, somehow gives off a Dr Hook & The Medicine Show feel.

Currently, Nick Edwards is creating his debut album – but he wants to make sure it is just right! Until then, his body of work, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’, serves as the perfect filler for his loyal and potential fans. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: That’s How Love Is Made, Trouble

Connect with Nick Edwards via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/therealnickedwardsbgt
X: https://twitter.com/TherealNick85
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_nickedwards

Handshake In Space makes a quick return with second album ‘Parallel Life’

Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE returns with the release of his second album ‘Parallel Life’, featuring his eight latest singles. The album cover pays homage to the iconic “Parallel Lines” album by Blondie, with a unique twist – the parallel lines are of varying lengths, symbolising the artist’s personal journey through mental health challenges over the past years.

“Parallel Life” builds on the success of HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s debut album, delving deeper into the complexities of human relationships. The album’s tracklist includes fan favourites and singles that have been captivating audiences over the past year.

Highlights of the album include:

‘You’re my cheerleader’: A vibrant and uplifting track that captures the essence of friendship and the magical moments of summer.

‘You’re my melody’: A captivating electronic dance track that showcases the artist’s signature sound

‘We go all night’: is an energetic collaboration between HANDSHAKE IN SPACE and Bouingy, showcasing the artists’ ability to create a captivating dance track

”The colors dance upon my skin”: Explores themes of sensory experiences and emotional responses to music and rhythm

HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s signature sound, blending ethereal synths with driving rhythms, is on full display throughout “Parallel Life.” The artist’s growth is evident in the sophisticated production and deeply personal lyrics that resonate with listeners on an emotional level.

“This album is a testament to the power of love in all its forms,” says HANDSHAKE IN SPACE. “I wanted to create a sonic experience that captures the euphoria, pain, and everything in between that comes with loving someone.”

The album is available now on all major streaming platforms, and fans can also explore the artist’s unique sonic universe through his previous releases, including the well-received debut album ”Anonymous.

‘Parallel Life’ was released last Friday (2nd August) across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

Raphael Tate shares singles ‘Same Energy’ and ‘Zion’ from latest EP ‘Love’.

RAPHAEL TATE – dubbed as the ‘Prince of Soul’ by his loyal fans – has returned in 2024 with EP ‘Love’, out now via Jermaine Forde’s label Ajang Music.  A multi-Grammy nominated producer and the son of the Brinsley Forde from legendary reggae group Aswad, Jermaine has worked with the likes of Julian Marley and Black Uhuru and also produced Raphael Tate’s 2020 BBC London/BBC1xtra-approved single, ‘A Fool In Love’.

From the four-track set, Raphael Tate shares first offering ‘Same Energy’, a steamy soulful love note which possesses soft and sensuous reggae undertones. ‘Same Energy’ was produced by Jermaine Forde and Terrence Chamberlin (Bluesteel Studio).

The UK-based singer, songwriter and producer also has a treat for the die-hard reggae fans of the yesteryear with second track from the EP, ‘Zion’. Produced by Jermaine Forde and Grammy multi-award winning artist Jazzward, who has worked with Bounty Killer, Damian Marley and Bobby Brown, ‘Zion’ is a song that’s most personal to Raphael as he shows his love for the downtrodden heroes and praise their resilience against acts of inhumanity.

Raphael shares his inspiration behind penning ‘Zion’: “This song captivates my love for my people, who has been attacked by many hands without restoration and without impunity. I wrote this song as a sign of triumph that, as the Bible says: ‘The meek shall inherit the earth’. Zion was inspired by a particular scripture in the Bible (Matthew 5:3-12) that ‘The poor, the meek, the humble, the downtrodden, the persecuted are going to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven’. I wrote ‘Zion’ as an encouragement to our people; we may be downtrodden, but not forgotten. I want it to be a triumph song to the children of diaspora – the lost children of Israel. The lions of judah will rise again! “

Showing love in all forms, Raphael Tate’s EP, ‘Love’, follows his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Love Grieve Live’, which mirrors the cycle of losing a dear one: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Raphael knows all too well what it’s like to be on the turbulent journey: in 2020, his mother unexpectedly passed away and understandably Raphael went through a rollercoaster of emotions.

Singles from the heartfelt album, ‘Gotta Hold On’ and ‘Keep On Moving’, gained widespread attention from gospel and secular stations, across the globe, including BBC West Midlands, BBC Stoke, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM (where he did an interview with Michelle Ward about the meaning behind ‘Love Grieve Live’ on her multi-award winning show, Eat My Brunch), Susy FM, Soul Food Gospel, Amazing Radio, SoulCity The Beat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more.

2023 saw Raphael Tate reach new heights with his appearance on ITV’s Starstruck, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford. A new member of The Recording Academy/Grammy Awards Class of 2023, Raphael Tate has been put up for a Grammy consideration for Best New Artist of the Year (general category). ‘Love’ EP will be put forward for this year’s Grammy nomination.

Raphael Tate is becoming a firm figure in the UK gig scene; a resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey at The Robin in Wolverhampton and Camden’s iconic venue, Jazz Café in last year.

Raphael Tate continues in 2024 to circulate various venues across the UK with his compelling yet exhilarating live performances. He opened for Odyssey once more at The Robin in May and recently opened for the legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will take the stage at his residency, The 606 club on 11th August. 

With a busy schedule ahead of him, Raphael Tate still finds the time to show some ‘Love’ via his latest EP, out now across various music platforms. Continue to witness the remarkable rise of Raphael Tate by connecting with him via social media (see below).

Connect with Raphael Tate via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
X: https://x.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raphaeltate3

Rapper Tez Pariah drops EP, ‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’

Well, it’s been quite a while since US rapper TEZ PARIAH has graced his presence on the blog. Tez’s last appearance was with his 2016 music video for track, ‘The Kush Coupe’, featuring Rich Logan and KC.

Glad he didn’t fall by the wayside and continued his journey as an epic rapper. Tez Pariah presents his latest EP, ‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’, which comprises of six tracks where the Georgia smooth spitter eases his laid-back bars into largely slow jams instrumentals.

‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’ EP features appearances from Cam Major and Ryan Milla and produced mostly by Zoink$, G6k Beatz, Saint XO and Bludy On The Track.

‘Diss Tracks From The Northside 2’ is out now for your pleasure. Why not have a listen below…

Must Listens: Soprano, Montana; Trippin; After School Program