OUT TODAY: The Grand Cru share single, ’17’

If you were going to ask what songwriting team have individually toured the world  performing, written for The Korgis, Cliff Richard, Slash, Meatloaf, had their songs  played on BBC Radio 2, supported Celine Dion, played Jesus on the West End stage, performed sell out shows in theatres around the UK, have won some of the most prestigious songwriting awards in the world and now are writing a song about feeling 17 again! There would only be one name on that list… THE GRAND CRU!

International songwriting team The Grand Cru (comprising of Welsh and American talent) have a brand new single waiting to be embraced by the listeners entitled ’17’ (featuring The Grand Cru member Darren Parry on lead vocal duties) which comes from their 8 track album… ‘September 11 – Music To Heal Your Soul’.

This catchy, memorable, upbeat, Country/Americana influenced track was co-written between three well known Welsh male singer/songwriters and a sassy, female US (Floridian) songwriter.

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 has 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 year 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, whose 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!

Darren says of the latest offering: “Steve, Lee, Bonnie and I wrote “17” predominantly on Zoom over the last 6 months or so, we wanted it to have an all American kinda feel to it”. Darren continues: ”We wanted to write something that encapsulated the excitement and emotion of falling in love as a teenager, reminiscing about a time gone by when love captured your heart and the emotions of youth”.

’17’ is the second single from their album following on from single, ‘I Was There’, which was shown on the big screen for the National Guard (EANGUS) 9/11 Remembrance  Gala at The One World Trade Centre building in New York on 11th Sept this year  for a star – studded event, hosted by Kelsey Grammer (Frasier).

’17’ is was released today (8th November) on all good music platforms. Have a listen below…

Connect with The Grand Cru via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/the-grand-cru-61565108634490/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_grand_cru_songwriters_/

OUT TODAY: Rapper Dutch ReBelle drops video for track ‘Cheesecake’

Get ready for a savory and sinister treat as DUTCH REBELLE serves up her newest release, “Cheesecake.”

In this spooky new visual, Dutch crashes the party with unapologetic style, encouraging women to embrace their dark side and confidently have their cake — and eat it too. The video for “Cheesecake” arrives on the heels of her recent release, “Namaste,” continuing Dutch’s streak of powerful, narrative-driven visuals shot by Sin City Creatives. Produced by Jon Glass and Melks, “Cheesecake” brings Dutch’s signature blend of gritty lyrics and rebellious spirit to the forefront, delivering a record that is as eerie and mysterious as it is deliciously satisfying.

Stay tuned for the audio drop on 11/7 on all platforms. For now, check out the video below…

Connect with Dutch ReBelle via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DutchReBelle617
IG: https://www.instagram.com/TheDutchReBelle
X: https://x.com/DutchReBelle

OUT TODAY: Tony Bones The Producer and Jackson B unite with lyricist AKS to channel nostalgia on single ‘Whatever It Is’

As they continue to tease towards their joint project, frequent collaborators Tony Bones The Producer and Jackson B join forces with rising British/Nigerian wordsmith, AKS, to release the nostalgia infused joint single ‘Whatever It Is’ – a track that blends the soulful essence of 90s hip-hop with a modern-day edge.

Leading with its infectious boom-bap rhythms, live saxophone elements, and thought-provoking lyrics, the new single is a nod to golden-era Hip-Hop, reminiscent of icons like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest – melding nostalgia with innovation in a way that speaks to both the old school and the new generation of listeners.

Tony Bones The Producer, fast gaining a reputation for his ability to craft timeless, soul-infused beats, lays the foundation of the track. Drawing inspiration from the jazz, funk, and boom-bap that defined the 90s hip-hop sound, Tony’s production exudes warmth and groove, paying homage to the roots of the genre while maintaining a contemporary edge.

What sets ‘Whatever It Is’ apart is the live instrumentation provided by Jackson B, a multi-instrumentalist and saxophonist. His smooth saxophone lines and melancholy keys breathe life into the track, adding an organic, jazz-inspired texture that elevates the song to new heights. Jackson B’s improvisational style is a nod to jazz legends, effortlessly blending with the hip-hop production to create a unique listening experience.

Playing front-man for this effort is wordsmith AKS, a critically acclaimed UK based rapper whose lyrical finesse and effortless flow perfectly complement the classic feel of the beat. Known for his introspective and motivational rhymes, AKS delivers verses that reflect themes of resilience, growth, and self-discovery. His bars speak to the listener’s soul, encouraging them to trust in their journey and embrace their individuality. A testament compounded by the artistry evidently on display here as he finds a way to merge the heavy with the cheerful whilst getting you singing along.

Together, the trio have crafted a vibrant, feel-good song that evokes something more, ‘Whatever It Is’….it’s a sonic journey that reflects on the past while embracing the future. Tony Bones’ production, combined with Jackson B’s instrumentation and AKS’s introspective lyrics, results in a track that is as much a nod to the past as it is a statement of intention for the enduring legacy of Hip-Hop. This collaboration is a reminder that the genre’s heart and soul are still thriving, with timeless themes that continue to resonate with both long-time fans and new generations alike.

‘Whatever it Is’ is available today (24th October 2024 ) for streaming/download on major digital platforms and offers a brilliant insight into Jackson B x Tony Bones The Producer’s forthcoming joint album. As a true collaboration the record will also feature on AKS’ forthcoming “Departures & Arrivals: As Plane as Day” project as he closes out his “Modes of Transport” series.

Connect with AKS, Jackson B & Tony Bones the Producer
AKS: http://instagram.com/AKSonline
Jackson B: http://instagram.com/jacks0n.b_
Tony Bones the Producer: http://instagram.com/tonybonestheproducer 

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

OUT TODAY: Clara Pople shares self-empowerment single, ‘Hot Moon’.

CLARA POPLE‘s brand new single, ‘Hot Moon’ broods a strong atmospheric drive, soothed over by her delicately light vocals which creates a laid-back and magical experience. If you’re unfamiliar with Clara Pople, she is a promising indie pop/trip-hop artist from North West of England, that’s well and truly connected with nature and her latest single mirrors that bond, the chaotic energy that a Full Moon brings – and her resilience in carving a name for herself in the challenging music industry.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Hot Moon’, Clara Pople shares: “This is my empowerment anthem for all women and people who can feel overpowered by the forces of nature. Hot Moon is a song about the ebbing and flowing tides of being a woman. How nature can control our mood and how, whilst infuriating, we just have to give in sometimes and let the madness take over.”

Crediting her upbringing in a family of strong women and her education at an all-girls school for instilling a sense of resilience, Clara she feels confident and empowered enough to navigate a path into the music scene, her way and on her terms. She created The Boat Gigs, which have quickly become a word-of-mouth sensation in London’s underground scene. The gigs, which feature a lineup of three emerging artists, have become a lifeline for musicians looking to play in a supportive environment without the usual pressures of self-promotion.

South Cumbria-born Clara came up with the idea of The Boat Gigs after moving onto a boat. She envisioned turning the intimate and airy space into a venue. What began as a personal experiment has blossomed into a vibrant monthly event, situated at St Pancras Old Church in London, where Clara will be performing at tonight’s (19th September) headline show.

She explains: “Hosting gigs on the boat just felt natural. I needed a venue where I could headline, so I thought, why not create my own show every month and build a community around it? It’s been incredible seeing how these gigs are helping other emerging artists as well. They’re the OG form of what a gig should be—built-in crowd, guaranteed pay, and a chance to connect with like-minded musicians.”

With the release of ‘Hot Moon’ – out today (19th September) – across various music platforms – and her thriving boat gigs, Clara Pople proves there is room for creating music that’s true to oneself, while building a strong community of like-minded musicians. Why not listen to ‘Hot Moon’ below…

Connect with Clara Pople via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ClaraPopleMusic/
X: https://x.com/clarapoplemusic
IG:https://www.instagram.com/clarapoplemusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_clara_pople