Tag: news

Song of the Day: I Was There – The Grand Cru

International award-winning songwriting team, THE GRAND CRU (comprising of Welsh and American talent) have shared a brand new album, entitled ‘September 11th – Music To Heal Your Soul’.

The Grand Cru includes ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead, Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard) and ex member of The Story’s and Balsamo/Deighton. Also on ‘The Cru’ is multi-award winning Welsh singer/songwriter Darren Parry who’s a former UK Songwriting Contest winner, Billboard, Unisong, ISSA and USA Song Of The Year award winner (who’s co-written with The Korgis, Dan and Laura Curtis and others).

The third Welshman is Rhondda’s multi-talented Lee Gilbert who is an acclaimed singer /actor. His 25 yr career has spanned from Theatre, Radio and TV work which runs alongside his very busy music career. The fourth member and brainchild of ‘The Cru’ is Florida based Bonnie Skop, who’s family has a long history in music; including her Dad managing Ted Nugent and Bob Seger in their early days! The Grand Cru get their name from the French words… meaning “a wine of the most superior grade”. These songwriters are certainly that!

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the album go to support the Enlisted Association Of The National Guard of The United States (EANGUS). EANGUS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the status, welfare and professionalism of Enlisted members of the National Guard and has a constituency base of over 450,000 soldiers and airmen, their families, as well as over 350,000
retired members/veterans.

Darren says… “Steve, Lee, Bonnie and I have written the album predominantly on Zoom over the last two years or so having been approached by The National Guard via a contact of Bonnie’s in the US. We have donated six of our songs to the cause but have written bespoke songs including “I Was There””.

Steve says…‘I Was There’ is a very emotional song about the morning of 9/11 in New York. The song focuses on three different characters… one female character is going to work in New York that morning, another character is a guy taking a flight from New Jersey to San Francisco”. Lee continues… “the third character is a child who fortunately sleeps late so he’s not on time for school. You’ve gotta listen to it, it’s a real emotional rollercoaster of a song”!

‘I Was There’ was performed by The Cru for the EANGUS 9/11 Remembrance Gala at The One World Trade Centre building in New York on 11th September this year for a star-studded event, hosted by Kelsey Grammer (of hit show Frasier).

‘I Was There’ and ‘September 11th – Music To Heal Your Soul’ album are out now. Why not watch the video for the emotive single, featuring the three Welsh talent.

Connect with The Grand Gru:
http://www.darrenparry.com
http://www.stevebalsamomusic.com
http://www.leegilbertmusic.co.uk

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OUT TODAY: Handshake In Space returns with single, ‘The Sky Is Yours’.

Following his recent release of single, ‘You Make Me Feel’, which claimed the blog’s Song of the Week top spot, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is back with a new single that promises to take listeners to new heights. The single, titled ‘The Sky is Yours’, is out today ( 20th September) and is a vibrant addition to the artist’s already impressive catalogue.

‘The Sky is Yours’ is a euphoric anthem that combines HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s signature mix of powerful beats and emotional lyrics. The song is an invitation to let go of the darkness of everyday life and instead embrace the light and freedom on the dance floor. With lyrics like “When the sunny day is tinged with gray, And there is no place where you want to stay” and “The sky is yours, don’t you see?” the song conveys a message of community, self-expression and seizing life’s moments.

“This song is about finding the light in the dark and daring to let go. Sometimes we can feel stuck in our own thoughts and feelings, but music has an incredible ability to lift us out of it,” says HANDSHAKE IN SPACE about his new single. “I hope ‘The Sky is Yours’ becomes a song that people can relate to and that makes them want to dance and live life to the fullest.”

Since his breakthrough, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE has become a name to reckon with on the international EDM scene. With his unique blend of electronic soundscapes and engaging storytelling, he has quickly built a loyal fan base worldwide.

The single ‘The Sky is Yours’ is out today (20th September) on all major streaming platforms. Don’t miss the chance to take part in a song that will make you dance the night away and see life with new eyes…

Connect with HANDSHAKE IN SPACE via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/handshakeinspace
IG: https://www.instagram.com/handshake_in_space
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handshakeinspace

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Jessica Wilde returns with highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’.

Singer, songwriter, rapper and producer JESSICA WILDE has released her highly anticipated, soul touching, empowering and thought- provoking sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’, with the amazing Afronaut Zu featuring on the title track.

Wilde fully utilizes her authentic expression through this powerful and truly unique body of work, where she bares her vulnerability on a personal journey of deep inner healing and an exploration of love for self, others, life and God. Authentically expressed though her soul searing, raw, raspy and heart hitting singing which Jess fuses with her sharp-witted rap & spoken word with undeniable South London grit.

Wilde, now four years sober, has openly shared her experience, from her debut project (2023) where each of the songs were like confessional diary entries, laying out brutally honest lyrics in her unique and original Wilde way, taking us on a ride of life through addiction, toxic relationships, escapism to a place of self-empowerment, self-love and living sober.

Wilde’s new album ‘Teach Me How To Love’ reflects all the inner work she has committed to that has brought her out of the darkest times of her life. Wilde has ventured on a spiritual path which took her on a transformational solo adventure from the concrete jungle to the Amazon Jungle and which gave the seeds of inspiration for this new chapter of her musical expression to take fruit.

In her recent interview with Carrie and David Grant on BBC Radio London she said: “The phase now is really feeling a lot more self-love, love for life and really wanting to uplift people with my music and spread the frequency of love”.

The new album project features some of Wilde’s close friends and incredible artists in their own right Josh Barry (Nile Rodgers, Gorgon City), Zoe Kyrpi (Black Coffee, David Lazarus), James Newman (writer of Rudimental’s Brit award winning song ‘Waiting All Night’ with Ella Eyre) and Afronaut Zu who’s raw and husky vocals are heard on the title track ‘Teach Me How To Love’. Zu is also a part of Steam Down Jazz collective and Rudimental. Wilde not only penned the tunes of the album but also co-produced it with producer and right hand man Tom Maine (Wu-lu, Ego Ella May).

Having released five singles in the lead up to the full album drop, Wilde has gained an immense amount of loyal and continuing support across BBC Radio from taste maker DJ’s, including Radio 1’s ‘Future Artists’ with Jack Saunders, Jess Iszatt on both Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, Multiple BBC Radio London shows, including a recent in studio live performance and interview with Carrie and David Grant. She has also gained support from John Kennedy on Radio X, editorial playlist features across the board with Apple, Spotify, Youtube Music, TIDAL, Amazon and US Radio and streaming platform Pandora, plus also press acclaim from 1883, Clash Magazine, Complex, The Independent, Wonderland, The Daily Star and many more.

This summer was Jam packed, with Wilde hitting the stages of Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Camp Wild Fire and Soul Town festival where she’s opening the main stage for legends Earth, Wind and Fire. Not only is the festival season popping off, but Wilde is also set to headline Lower Third on 17th July for her album launch show, in collaboration with soul pioneering platform ‘Global Soul’ and Wilde’s very own PxSSY PWR platform.

‘PxSSY PWR’ is a platform Wilde created as a response to the disparity between support for male artists compared to female artists. The residency at Hootananny Brixton has become a hub and major platform for some of the most exciting underground female, non-binary and queer artists, including sold out shows with the likes of Etta Bond, IYAMAH, Zoe Kypri and Tamaraebi to name a few.

Listen to ‘Teach Me How To Love’ below…

Must Listens: Love Like This, FADE, Human, Teach Me How To Love

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Hammer Shares EP ‘Swerve’ via Skylax Records

Northern Irish producer HAMMER shares his much-anticipated 4-track EP,’ Swerve’, on all major streaming platforms via Skylax Records.

Hammer, championed by the influential BICEP crew, has been making significant waves in the electronic music scene. With numerous EPs released on prominent labels such as Optimo Music, Sulta Selects, Shall Not Fade, and Feel My Bicep, his distinctive style has captivated a dedicated following within the leftfield and Italo-disco communities. His upcoming 12-inch release is set to ignite dance floors worldwide.

The EP kicks off with ‘Swerve,’ a track that channels the pure essence of BICEP’s iconic style. Rich, immersive soundscapes and dynamic compositions capture the spirit of the duo’s renowned productions, paying homage to the genre’s roots while pushing it forward.

Next is ‘Swivel,’ a genuine Italo-disco gem featuring lush, retro-infused synths and irresistible basslines. This track transports listeners to the heyday of the Italo-disco era, a genre that continues to influence and inspire contemporary electronic music.

The B-side opens with ‘Tbilisi’, a tribute to the vibrant electronic music scene in Tbilisi, Georgia. Hammer masterfully captures the essence of the scene, blending elements of techno, house, and avant-garde. This track showcases Hammer’s versatility and his ability to navigate different musical landscapes seamlessly.

The EP concludes with ‘Push Repeat,’ an electrifying track destined to be a hit on discerning dance floors. With driving beats, infectious melodies, and undeniable energy, Hammer’s mastery of groove and rhythm is on full display, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Reflecting on the EP, Hammer shares, “I was thrilled when Skylax loved the demos I sent over, especially since it’s a label I’ve admired since childhood. The EP offers a range of housey rollers that evoke rave memories, with darker disco vibes on the B-side.”

Hammer’s upcoming release on Skylax Records is nothing short of a masterstroke. It not only solidifies his position as a standout talent in the electronic music realm but also underscores Skylax’s commitment to delivering innovative and genre-defying sounds to discerning listeners. This EP is poised to become an essential addition to any music aficionado’s collection and a testament to the ever-evolving, boundary-pushing nature of contemporary electronic music.

Prepare to embark on a sonic journey through the mind of Hammer and experience the future of dance music. Have a listen to the EP below…

Must Listens: Swerve, Tbilisi

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Song of the Day Cold Water – Tom B (ft. Lucy Wroe)

Hailing from London, experimental producer TOM B‘s single ‘Cold Water’, featuring long-time collaborator, Lucy Wroe, is an unapologetic statement on the music industry as an independent artist. It embodies all the frustration towards gatekeeping and the devaluation of independent artists. Cold Water can also be felt as an ode to women in the industry, trying to navigate the border between ‘playing the game’ and maintaining self-respect.

Lucy says: “The title itself is a metaphor for the industry. Feeling submerged in Cold Water; regularly feeling the numbness left in the wake of bad experiences, which are all too common on the independent music scene”

Tom says: “You spend enough time in a scene or a circuit, you slowly figure out what the game is and how to play it. Eventually, we got to the point where we thought ‘do we make music because its what we want? Or do we make music to entertain promoters and get more gigs where we have to sell all the tickets?’”

‘Cold Water’ was exclusively available on Bandcamp from 22nd May and was released on all streaming platforms from a week later. All Bandcamp profits was donated to The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.

Listen to the riveting single below…

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