Berlin-based, Indian artist and producer, JOHNNY KULO is the bridge between old-school soul and modern R&B. The son of a reverend, he was inevitably playing drums in church before he could form sentences, exploring several other instruments until eventually realizing his love for songwriting and production. He uses his sultry-smooth voice to tell personal and perceived stories of love, heartbreak and unsettled identity.
An ode to choosing ignorance, his latest single, ‘Poseidon’ revolves around asking questions about past relationships, through a rhetorical sentiment. It explores the feelings of arrogance and confidence that arise after one gain’s hindsight overtime in regards to their past. The track also portrays an overall sense of apathy for the future stemming from exhaustion. Have a listen below…
South London Trio, VX MOB are ready to change the game in 2022 with first release of the year, ‘CHOPPA,’ produced by the Grammy nominated MG.
Along with their single, which offers an incredibly unique and fresh sound, combining their Latin heritage with UK drill and alternative R&B, the young drillers also unveiled an accompanied video, shot in the refreshing scenery of Snowdon Mountain in Wales, directed and filmed by @filmbytod.
VX Mob was formed including VX Raff, VX Duse, VX Ells, and later joined by Grammy nominated producer MG and creator Film By Todd to complete the phenomenal creative squad. A project initially founded as a clothing brand, they began to create sounds and experiment with a hip hop style; infused with the groups native tongues and Latin/afro rhythms and influence.
Duse was noticed by Grammy award-winning producer and composer Kurtis Mckenzie, a multi-platinum producer. Also a songwriter and musician, Kurtis Mckenzie has worked with some of the biggest names in the game such as Chris Brown, Shakira, Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, Iggy Azalea, Selena Gomez, Khalid, Childish Gambino, and Rita Ora.
VX Duse debuted his single ‘PRISM’ in August, which truly replicates his alternative R&B style infused with his Latin heritage and notes of UK drill. The dramatic video was directed by Otis Dominique and was shot on the late night streets of South London – Streatham, Croydon – where VX Mob call home. Shortly after his Spanish release ‘PARAISO’ dropped and truly displayed his diverse music abilities and bi-lingual tongue. Both tracks produced by MG Grammy nominated producer MG with credits for co-producing two tracks on Doja Cat’s album.
So it’s time to check out these guys below; not to be missed…
Hot on the heels of his summer ear worm track, ‘Summer Of Love’, multi-award winning Welsh, singer/songwriter DARREN PARRY returns and treats us to a stunning ballad entitled ‘Unconditional’.
Darren says of the meaning behind the latest single… “If you describe something as unconditional, you mean that the person doing or giving it does not require anything to be done by other people in exchange or return”.
‘Unconditional’ was co-written with ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard and who also co-wrote Darren’s summer track ‘Summer Of Love’) and one of Wales’ top vocalists/performers, Lee Gilbert.
The single was written via Zoom during the lockdown periods, initially for a Hollywood film, which featured a 12-year-old-boy saying a tearful farewell to his father. Due to lockdown restrictions in the US, the film did not go ahead – but the song still remains!
So without further ado, it’s time to listen to Darren new heartfelt single below…
Continuing to demonstrate why his name is synonymous with the grime scene, D POWER DIESLE unveils his latest masterpiece ‘The March’ with the assistance of Boy Better Know MCs Frisco, Shorty and Lay-Z.
As the Grime scene pioneer teases his long awaited follow up project ‘Graphene 2’, he plans to keep the same high calibre that he delivered in the first project. With Graphene 1’s stand out single ‘Sniper’, featuring Skepta, amassing over 5.2 million collective views as well tracks with guest verses from Wiley, Footsie, Jammz and Grim Sickers, the talented grime MC refuses to miss his shot!
Diesle knows exactly what it takes to make an instant grime classic and uses his proven formula to make sure this track is a head banging anthem. Teaming up with the world-renowned producers The HeavyTrackerz, the MCs are set up with a sinister, vibrant instrumental which is filled to the brim with bouncing percussion and intricate production work. Detailing his extensive career, Diesle sets the tone of the track by referring to his roots as a DJ at Déjà Vu. Embodying the raw energy of this era, he effortlessly attacks the beat with an intense yet inciteful delivery. This momentum is carried on throughout the track by the featuring Boy Better Know artists. As a group at the cornerstone of the evolution of the UK music scene, they are well equipped to match the passionate vocals that Diesle brings to the table.
D Power Diesle has created a legacy that stretches back to the origins of grime and continues to unfold. From his pioneering days at Rinse FM and Déjà Vu and his inclusion on Lord of the Mics 3 clashing Wariko, through to touring with Skepta, Wiley, Jammer and Modestep, D Power Diesle is in the elite of grime scene veterans whilst also remaining a prominent fixture of today’s thriving British Black Music scene. He also continues to offer a platform to new and upcoming talent, via his own label ‘EB Records’, stating “It’s important for vets to guide and show love to the youth, to keep them committed, it motivates them to know that people who have been there before can do it.” After partnering with Deezer and Relentless, the label continues to grow from strength to strength!
‘The March’ signifies the start of what is set to be an eventful year for D Power Diesle. As his fans eagerly anticipate the release of Graphene 2, we get to see exactly why the London based MC continues to build up so much momentum. Have a listen below…
LOLA YOUNG is one of VEVO’s DSCVR Artists to Watch 2022, an Amazon Next Breakthrough Artist, a BRITs “Rising Star” Award nominee and one of the five artists shortlisted on the “BBC “Sound Of 2022” poll. Yet – on her new single, ‘So Sorry’ – the 21-year-old confesses she still sometimes feels insecure. Produced by Oscar, GRAMMY® and BRIT award winner Paul Epworth, the upbeat track finds Young at her sharp-tongued best, accompanied by glistening strings and a driving rhythm section.
Lola Young, who will launch a U.K. headline tour in March, explains, “’So Sorry’ is a song I wrote about my toxic traits in a relationship. I got super vulnerable and honest on this track and I hadn’t yet written a song about how difficult I can be when I’m with someone. I feel like a lot of other people are going to be able to relate to the feeling of saying sorry far too much.”
‘So Sorry’ follows Lola’s track, ‘FAKE,’ and her cover of Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder’s ‘Together In Electric Dreams.’ Combined, the two singles have amassed nearly eight million global streams.
With powerful singles such as ‘Bad Tattoo,’ ‘Ruin My Make Up’ and ‘Woman’ and the stripped-down 2021 EP and accompanying film, After Midnight, she’s won acclaim across the board from the likes of Billboard, Atwood Magazine, Wonderland and British Vogue.
‘So Sorry’ was released today (24th January) and was premiered on BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record. Why not check out the lyric video for single below…
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