OUT TODAY: Listen to Dior Ashe’s single, ‘Easy’

Rising Alt-R&B star DIOR ASHE delivers her new single ‘Easy’, a smooth and soulful cut about the complexities of love.

Driven by a desire to showcase a positive outlook on queer relationships, Ashe penned ‘Easy’ as a personal exploration of vulnerability, understanding, and the transformative power of compassion. Stepping into the shoes of both partners, the song acknowledges the inherent challenges of intimacy but celebrates the ease found in open communication, shared goals, and unwavering support.

“I wrote ‘Easy’ with the intention of manifesting my idea of a healthy queer relationship,” says Dior Ashe. “It’s about being seen, heard, and loved for who you are, navigating struggles together, and ultimately finding strength and solace in mutual understanding.”

More than just a love song, ‘Easy’ serves as a companion for listeners on their own journeys of navigating healthy connections. Dior’s smooth vocals and introspective lyrics weave a tapestry of relatable experiences, reminding us that vulnerability, empathy, and open communication are the cornerstones of lasting love, regardless of sexual orientation.

“‘Easy’ is not just a song, it’s a conversation starter,” Ashe adds. “It’s a reminder that healthy, supportive relationships are possible, and that we deserve to love and be loved without fear or judgment.”

Have a listen to ‘Easy’ below…

OUT TODAY: Listen to Sy Smith’s Album, ‘Until We Meet Again.’

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,

OUT TODAY: Annabel Gutherz shares self-empowering single, ‘Eclipse’

Canadian singer and songwriter ANNABEL GUTHERZ reveals her new single, ‘Eclipse,’ out today, 15th December, for your pleasure! Blending classic rock influences with modern pop sounds, ‘Eclipse’ is a vivid and textured song that showcases an artist who has found her voice. The new single was co-written with and produced by Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat) and Bret “Epic” Mazur (Crazy Town, Prince, The Black Eyed Peas).

“‘Eclipse’ is about my tendency to compare myself to others and the impact this has on my self-esteem,” Annabel says. “I would rather be concentrated on purpose than consumed by comparison despite how challenging it may be at times, especially given the ubiquitous nature of social media. This single showcases my desire to focus on my own path and nurture my inner confidence.”

Since the release of her 2021 album, Loose Ends, Annabel has continued to develop her sound by working with an array of esteemed collaborators, including Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, David Crosby). Fiercely committed to her craft, Annabel also holds a baccalaureate and a master’s degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music. With her undeniable talent and more music in the works for 2024, Annabel Gutherz is certainly an artist to keep on your radar. Listen to ‘Eclipse’ below…

OUT TODAY: Listen to Leonardo Das Cabrio’s track, ‘SOLID (Adam Swim Remix)’

Adam Swim is an electronic music producer from Minneapolis – Minnesota.

Through his two debut releases in 2021 ‘Can’t Sleep’ and ‘The Garden’, he presented a warm House music rooted in the Soul drawing the powerful deep energy in a chilled-out groove with a dance-worthy tunes. He continues to offer us his unique science of rhythm, a spiritual melting with banging. He dives us into a sumptuous and relaxing LoFi House. Just push play to feel the fineness of his vibe.

Leonardo Das Cabrio is the brainchild of Luis Da Silva & Lenny De Luca, a Berliner duo whose chilled-out groove and dance-worthy tunes are sure to charm you.

“Moody remix I did for the boys, Leonardo Das Cabrio.” Adam Swim. Have a listen to his spin on ‘SOLID’ below…

OUT TODAY: Matthew Progress wages war against sexual puritanism on single ‘Digital Underground’

Toronto-based artist MATTHEW PROGRESS has released ‘Digital Underground’, the latest single from his forthcoming debut album God Made Dirt. A stark departure from the album’s previous singles (‘Gen Pop’, ‘Doc Neville’) which were more concerned with politically and socially-focused matters, ‘Digital Underground’ instead sees Matthew exploring the freeing power of sexual liberation. Evoking the feel and sensation of an acid trip, ‘Digital Underground’ is a psychedelic slice of new age funk, harkening back to the work of OutKast, Parliament-Funkadelic, Rick James and The Free Nationals, but re-imagined in a way that falls in line with Matthew’s trademark sense of menace and darkness. Its classic-sounding bass lines are paired with sensibilities skewing more electronic, that are further elevated by Matthew’s pitched up vocals.

Says Matthew of this new track’s origins: “While making ‘God Made Dirt’, Dan Only and I were inspired by various forms of psychedelic music like OutKast’s Stankonia, which we consider a psychedelic Hip-Hop classic. I felt moved to write about sexual liberation as a source of personal power and alignment with the divine. To me, that was best illustrated in story form.”

Narrating the scene of an orgy, the Dan Only (River Tiber, a l l i e) produced track, Matthew offers a detailed, first-person description of the encounter. The track’s chorus is a philosophical call to action, urging listeners to, when possible, choose love (or sex) over violence. Over the course of three minutes, Matthew urges listeners to unlearn and rid themselves of unhealthy doctrine they’ve been taught about owning one’s sexuality and body.

‘Digital Underground’ marks the third single release from Matthew’s full length debut album God Made Dirt (Pirates Blend) that will hit streaming services and digital retailers on 24th November. Composed of nine tracks, the project is a lyric-forward multi-genre mosaic that toggles between abstract hip-hop, punk, electronica, trap and psychedelic influences. The entire album has been produced in collaboration with Dan Only. Through an apocalyptic end-of-days lens, God Made Dirt explores the internal human dialogue between the divine and the primal self. On this intuitive journey through an ominous and gritty dimension – Earth 2023 – Progress rejects doctrine and fully embraces human complexity. He invites listeners to align with ancestors in the cosmos, resist authoritarianism, prepare for inevitable violence, claim sexual liberation while celebrating death and decay.

Listen to ‘Digital Underground’ below, out today (8th November) across various music platforms…