Tag: news

The reveal of HANDSHAKE IN SPACE: Stefan Halling, the Anonymous Swedish EDM artist

“I lift the lid on my mental illness and in some way I hope I can help others.”

The identity behind the anonymous Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE has been revealed. The artist is none other than Stefan Halling, born in 1967 in Huddinge, Stockholm and now living in Rättvik.

The news spread after his daughter Nathalie posted a video on social media some time ago in which she talks about his inspiring mental journey over the past four years.

Four years ago, at the beginning of the pandemic, Stefan Halling was hit by several major difficulties. He first lost his father and shortly afterwards his job. These losses resulted in a long period of deep depression, panic attacks and dark thoughts. For a while the future seemed uncertain and very dark to Stefan.

Despite this difficult period, two years ago Stefan started creating music together with other creative people. Through music, he found a way to express his feelings and process his experiences. With the support of close friends and his dear family, he has slowly but surely regained his well-being and is now in a much better place in life.

In her video, daughter Nathalie shares the mental journey her father has undergone and points out how important it is to talk about mental illness in order to reduce the stigma surrounding it and supporting those who struggle.

Only now does Stefan feel that he is mature enough to start talking about his experiences and highlight the importance of seeking help when you feel bad. Through his music and his story, Stefan hopes to inspire others and show that there is hope even in the darkest moments.

Stefan Halling, under the pseudonym HANDSHAKE IN SPACE, has touched many with his music and his story is a strong example that it is possible to get through difficult times with support and creativity.

To check out HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s discography, head right here.

Follow 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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OUT TODAY: Katrin-Merili puts her blend of Nordic Nu-Soul on the map with ‘Hold My Body’.

Paris-based, Estonian soul artist KATRIN-MERILI announces her debut EP ‘Beautiful Things’ with her new single ‘Hold My Body’, which is out today (20th June). She captures the soulful energy of Yebba, Sade and Cleo Sol, weaving her vocal around a future-facing instrumental to create a distinctive brand of Nordic neo-soul.

‘Hold My Body’ reflects on a long distance relationship, and the power of love to surpass geographical boundaries. Katrin explores the sacrifices that are made when in love, and the hunger for connection and patience needed to see things through. Alt-RnB lyrical flows are balanced with bopping grooves, euphoric synths and a gospel-inflected harmonic flavour, capturing the butterflies in the stomach and thrill of falling in love. Katrin shares: “I started composing this song on a friend’s guitar that was left in my apartment. The chords stuck with me, and gave it so much warmth when I produced the first draft. It took on a life of its own when I played it with my live band, and became the song you can hear today.”

Slated for release in 30th August, ‘Beautiful Things’ is a project consisting of five intimate stories centred around femininity, identity, and mental health, touching upon Katrin’s experience of being split between two countries, and supporting her mother through her battle with breast cancer. Due to the deeply personal subject material, Katrin wanted to be as involved as possible across the project, creating her own visual world to accompany the music, she shares: “I decided to self-produce the EP independently to be able to follow through with my original vision and to make something really personal. I am fully present in all the aspects of the creation, from writing the lyrics to styling, MUA, self-portraits, artworks and collages. Every song is a personal piece of my life and an invite to join me on my journey of self-discovery.”

A rising name in the Parisian soul-jazz crossover scene, Katrin has spent the last eight years in the French capital collaborating and building a name for herself, supporting the likes of Roy Ayres at the revered New Morning jazz club. Her path in Paris led to her meeting co-producer Sacha Arnaud, who was able to help Katrin bring her musical vision to life alongside the vibrant presence of talented French musicians including Noé Berne (Nine Sparks Riot) and Remi Klein (Voyou).

Taken from the ‘Beautiful Things’ EP, set for release on Friday 30th August, ‘Hold My Body’ was
released today (20th June) across various music platforms. Why not have a listen below…

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FR4NKIE unveils ‘Overview Effect’ – a masterpiece culminating years of artistic growth

FR4NKIE (Formerly known as: XP Burstgang) a prominent member of the UK Grime scene, has dropped his highly anticipated sophomore project, ‘Overview Effect,’ earlier this month (3rd May). This project stands as a testament to FR4NKIE’s life work, representing a stylistic evolution and maturity from his previous releases.

‘Overview Effect’ boasts an impressive lineup of underground collaborations, featuring artists such as LPNoID, Illy From Da NW Side, Cosmo Laurie, Trapson, Dizmack, Masovelli, and Manchester Hypes. Produced by bass music royalty Trolley Snatcha, this project is a sonic amalgamation that showcases FR4NKIE’s versatility, blending Road Rap and Grime influences with elements of folk and guitar music.

Tracks like ‘To Be Frank’ delve into the realities of street life in the UK, while ‘Brick In The Wall’ offers a fresh take on folk and guitar sounds. ‘Benzema’ introduces a unique twist to the traditional ballad, reflecting FR4NKIE’s diverse life experiences. The project in its entirety serves as a window into FR4NKIE’s mind, offering a polished listening experience that resonates differently with each music fan based on their own life experiences.

FR4NKIE has earned international recognition for his contributions to the Grime scene. His triumphs include memorable wins in genre-defining events like Lord of the Mics and Red Bull’s Grime-A-Side tournaments, solidifying his status as a heavyweight in the genre. Collaborations with esteemed figures such as Mike Skinner and President T underscore his influence and impact.

Beyond Grime, FR4NKIE has ventured into various musical territories, crafting a diverse discography that encompasses trap, drill, and boundary-pushing ballads. His latest project, ‘Overview Effect,’ serves as a testament to his evolution as an artist, melding streetwise narratives with introspective themes. Through his decade-long music career, FR4NKIE has amassed a wealth of experiences and influences, shaping him into a multifaceted force in the UK music scene.

Check out ‘Overview Effect’ below…

Must Listens: To Be Frank, Simon Says, Janis Joplin, Is That You Yeah, Mess

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Karen Harding recalls a warm feeling of acknowledgement in new single, ‘Invisible Stranger’

Taken from the fourth single from her eagerly anticipated album ‘Behind The Mask’, KAREN HARDING‘s new single, ‘Invisible Stranger’ rages with emotion, as the Australian singer-songwriter deftly dramatizes the familiar moment of feeling the warmth of acknowledgment…only to realise it’s for another, not for oneself. Teamed with the mesmerising sounds of the piano and richly layered vocals, Karen sings with an amalgamation of a soulful bluesy essence and a style of pop’s signature.

‘Invisible Stranger’ comes on the heels of the talented production of Daniel Nieberg, bringing to life Karen’s introspective lyrics and songwriting, written back in the 2021 Covid Lockdowns in Melbourne.

Karen Harding entered Melbourne, Australia’s vibrant music scene when she released her debut single, ‘I Didn’t Realise,’ released May 2021. Since then she has explored uncharted sonic waters by teaming up with artists and producers internationally.

Notable awards earned by Karen in recent years include winning the 2021 Bendigo Bank-sponsored Radio Eastern Songwriter Talent Show; being nominated as a Top Ten Winner at World Songwriting Awards in September 2021 and Best International Artist at Crags Radio Independent Artist Awards held February 2022.

Karen Harding’s enchanting new single, ‘Invisible Stranger,’ was released last Friday,17th May across various music platforms. Why not listen below…

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Florida’s spitter Mercy is back with album, ‘Michaelangelo’

After months of anticipation backed by three singles, MeRCY has finally gifted the 12 piece offering of art, in the shape of album ‘Michelangelo’. Even with some technical difficulties on the upload, nothing could stop ‘Michelangelo’ as it hits all streaming services in full force. With the transfer complete and minds at peace we can now indulge on the latest album from the craftsman himself.

‘Michaelangelo’ begins on a high note with the record ‘Work Of Art’ as it sets the tone for the rest of the album. Backed by heavy drum & snare hits, MeRCY begins to paint his picture from his heart and painful scriptures. The track begins to boost your endorphins and that cycle continues to prove true throughout Michaelangelo, MeRCY says, “This project is meant to be emotionally charged. Each record was supposed to be compelling storytelling”.

With a vision in place and a mic in hand the south Florida native went to work. The sculptor compiled other artists and producers to help complete his work of art, giving them a brush so they can cement their own strokes of creativity. When asked about those moments behind the scenes MeRCY says, “The creation process behind this album was almost like free falling to an empty abyss of imagination. I can feel what I want or say what I want based on the production provided. I wanted the listener to capture the essence of that.” T.F, NapsNDreds, Yoamanduh, Four Square Miles, The Musalini & P. Hall help by providing their vocals to the record. Lebanon Don, Tone Spliff, Sebb Bash, Syer, Jake One, Odd Squad, Zino, DJ Wayne Ski, Kubo , SlimRock & the previously mentioned Black Metaphor lace their imprint behind the boards.

MeRCY has always been known as a lyricist and has never fallen short of expressing his interests regarding the world of art. He combines both within Michaelangelo, bringing to life an album that brings a visual lyricism of a musical art gallery. The artist says “I wanted the people that’s listening to picture the music and see the sounds of every record.” If MeRCY turned this final project in before the end of the semester with hopes of passing he’d get an A+ for simply creating a body of work that has no faults. Instead he’s a college dropout who’s playing college dropout, he’s always been in a class of his own even before getting out. He’s an artist who doesn’t need a class or book to make his mark in life, he’s doing just that with his book of rhymes and the art that comes from it.

Check out ‘Michaelangelo’ album below…

Must Listens: The Artist, Sketches (Color of Noise), Reality Show,Gallery Dept, Scribble In The Sky,

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