Introducing CARMICHAEL. – an artist originally from the UK but has firmly planted his roots in the DC and Maryland area for over 20 years. Carmichael., a past mainstay in the Emo/Post-hardcore scene in the 2000’s, was the frontman of numerous groups and touring alongside bands like (Downtown Singapore, Cutlery, The Receiving Ends of Sirens, All Time Low, etc.).
Carmichael. then took a lengthy hiatus and ended up in the corporate world but with the birth of his son back in 2018 he was inspired to pursue music again as mostly a solo artist yet he has been able to carve out a live band for shows and is looking forward to the his first EP and album to come out in 2024.
The diverse musician and songwriter delivers a silky, honest and gospel-touched conscious hip hop/ Nu-R&B offering on “Nude Pumps” ft Jonny Craig. Check out the video below…
Fresh out of Sheffield, Rapper J KAS drops some old-school favour in new track, ‘Come on Down,’ featuring Brazilian-born rapper Lucas Garcez. The Dreamlife-produced-joint, is a testament to the artistic synergy that emerged when these two talents crossed paths in Porto, Portugal, in 2018. J. Kas and Lucas Garcez, brought together by a shared passion for music and hip-hop, create a vibrant sonic celebration of their respective journeys in the world of art.
In this track, J. Kas pays homage to Porto, the city he now calls his second home, where the collaboration with Lucas Garcez took root. Lucas, having relocated to Porto during his youth, adds a unique perspective, making the city an integral part of his identity. The lyrics reflect the duo’s love for music, dedication to honing their craft, and an enthusiastic celebration of the hip-hop culture that unites them.
As the verses unfold, the rappers not only express their shared artistic endeavors but also give a nod to both Porto and Sheffield, acknowledging the cities that have played crucial roles in shaping their identities as artists. ‘Come on Down’ becomes a symbolic bridge between two cultures, connecting Sheffield and Porto through the universal language of hip-hop. The track is more than just music; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural exchange, and the enduring spirit of hip-hop that transcends geographical boundaries.
‘Come On Down’ was released last Friday (9th February) across various music platforms. Check out the video for the blazing track below…
French music producer and singer HEZEN continues to push the boundaries of sound and art with her latest single, ‘Au Clair de La Lune’. Sung in French, the single explores the digitalization of sex, the impact of artificial intelligence on human sexuality, and the fluidity of gender identities in the metaverse.
Au Clair de La Lune’ is the second installment of HEZEN’s ambitious body of work slated for release in 2024. The single cleverly weaves elements from a classic French lullaby into a futuristic soundscape .HEZEN’s self-made visualizer takes viewers on a captivating journey, blurring the lines between the real world and the digital realm, whilst challenging perceptions of reality and artificiality.
Renowned for her genre-fluid sound, HEZEN’s ability to blend experimental pop, electronica, and captivating vocals has positioned her as a trailblazer in the contemporary music scene. Previous releases have received critical acclaim from publications such as WONDERLAND, CLASH, Glamcult, and Kaltblut, solidifying her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.
Why not check out the lyric video for ‘Au Clair de La Lune’ below…
Comprising of Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett (aka B. on vocals and producer) and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass), captivating trio KARMACODA have unveiled their new single, ‘Try At Me’, which takes on a soulful, R&B quality that oozes with jazz lounge sensibility. A tender but passionate anthem to self-liberation and overcoming hardship, this track sees Jessica Ford baring her soul in her stirring, powerful vocal delivery. Her vocals soar over a gentle, syncopated downtempo beat, minimal R&B bassline and lowkey instrumental arrangements peppered with the delicate teal of jazz piano. ‘Try At Me’ is bathed in emotion and pain, yet decidedly triumphant and hopeful.
Jessica shared: “I wrote this song about a young girl I teach singing to. She had been through so much loss, anger, sadness and so many trials; more than any little girl should ever have to endure. I watched her fall into a depression, so much so, she didn’t want to sing anymore. Slowly but surely, through love, time and a lot of work, she started coming back, becoming more confident. I watched her fight for it.The song ‘Try At Me’… the words are “it’s time to try at me”, in other words, it’s time to give myself some girl power. It’s time to find myself, it’s time for me to rise, take a chance on myself, get out of this dark place, be heard, grow, and take a leap of faith, even when I feel beat up, I know I can stand up, try at me. She did, and she is. She is singing again. I couldn’t love this more. To my girl, this one’s for you.”
With impressive discography and many awards under their belts, San Francisco- based KARMACODA have offered up a vast array of sounds over the last twenty years, including electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock and dream pop. While still eluding being pigeonholed into a single genre, the trio’s sound has evolved into a soulful, sophisticated fusion of R&B, jazz lounge, drawing comparisons to the likes of powerful artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and Lana Del Ray.
‘Try At Me’, was released on 26th January via Sola Musa Music. Why not check it out below…
It’s been nearly six years since SY SMITH‘s acclaimed album, ‘Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete’. After guesting on Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s ‘The Ride’ for their excellent 2021 album Abstractions, the multi-talented, Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter and actress reunites with her frequent collaborators for her new album ‘Until We Meet Again’, released today (26th January) on all DSPs via +FE Music/EMPIRE. Produced entirely by Zo! and Tall Black Guy, and executive produced by The Foreign Exchange frontman and Little Brother co-founder Phonte, the album features the sensual lead single ‘Slide’ and serves as Smith’s long-awaited full-length +FE Music debut. Guest appearances include world renowned singer/drummer Sheila E, trumpeter Chris Botti, and more.
“You ever pick up an old photo album that you haven’t seen in many years and look through it? And all the memories of each photo come flooding back as if those pictures were just taken yesterday? That’s what “Until We Meet Again” feels like. It’s a sonic reverie down memory lane – making stops at every single emotion that comes with reminiscing.” – Sy Smith
Sy Smith is set to hit the road in March and April for her Until We Meet Again headlining tour. Dates and more info are available here. For now, have a listen to the breathtaking album…
Must Listens: Photograph, Slide, Summer of ’93, All The Ways,
New Lease Music 