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…
Tag: paris
French pop luminary Bonnie Banane shares single, ‘Red Flags’ + Nini album
Lifted from her new album ‘Nini’,BONNIE BANANE shares latest single, the enchanting ‘Red Flags’.
Reflecting on the genesis of ‘Red Flags,’ Bonnie Banane shares, “Originally, this song was only in French and was called “les signes avant-coureurs” or warning signs. Do they really exist? Are we blind? This song is for those who finally see after being blind for too long.”
Drawing upon her introspective musings and unbridled creativity, Bonnie Banane weaves a tapestry of poignant lyricism and infectious rhythms in ‘Red Flags.’ Much like its predecessor ‘Franchement,’ this evocative track invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, exploring themes of awareness and revelation amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. With ‘Red Flags,’ Bonnie Banane continues to defy conventions and push the boundaries of artistic expression, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in contemporary music. Her ability to seamlessly merge disparate influences and craft melodies that resonate with the soul is a testament to her unparalleled artistry.
With her second album, the 12-track ‘Nini’, Bonnie once again devotes herself, in a rather new way, to the delicate art of doing what she pleases. She has chosen to broaden the spectrum, finding her own signature in the most uninhibited of eclecticisms. Beyond its form, this album is above all a “lucky charm”. Bonnie entrusts it to us like an invisible but present amulet, to take with us, to love somewhere, wherever we are, wherever we go, as far and as long as possible.
On the title of the album, Bonnie comments: “Nini was my nickname when I was little. I like being called that. There are lots of people called Nini. It’s also a restaurant I’ve never been to. A hairdresser, a hotel, a beauty salon. The name of a slot machine stand at the county fair. It has lots of different meanings in different languages. As a lonely child, my greatest dream was to embrace every single person on earth. The world has changed, and so have I. I spent a good chunk of the album production process feeling anesthetized, but getting it out shakes me awake and I want to feel everything again. I want to hug someone, I want everything to explode. We made this record as if it were my last. Take it with you, May it bring you happiness wherever you go!”
Since bursting onto the scene with her debut single ‘Muscles’ in 2012, Bonnie Banane has forged her own path with her distinctive style and fearless approach to storytelling. Collaborating with the likes of Chilly Gonzalez, Varnish La Piscine, and Hubert Lenoir, she has established herself as a formidable presence in the French music landscape.
Fans eager to experience the magic of Bonnie Banane live will have the opportunity to witness her unparalleled talent on stage as she is set to headline a sold-out performance at the prestigious Trianon in Paris on May 15, followed by her biggest headline show to date at the iconic Olympia Hall on 1st December
As anticipation builds for the release of Bonnie Banane’s forthcoming projects in 2024, ‘Red Flags’ stands as a testament to her enduring creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Have a listen below…
Song of the Day: Keepsake – Handbook
One decade after his debut album ‘Handprints’, HANDBOOK returns with ‘Keepsake’, featuring two sublime tracks, instrumental ‘Keepsake’ and ‘No End’ featuring rapper, Supreme Sol who gets into the lush hip-hop cooking with the finest chill spicy soulful ingredients.
For the single Keepsake, Handbook says: “This track conjures up feelings of security. There is a feeling of being centred that anchors the piece, as well as a feeling of being content and happy. A keepsake is a memento, a reminder of someone, or somewhere, one has left behind: this is how music can work sometimes – it takes you back to a certain time, and a certain place.“
So go on, have a listen to ‘Keepsake’ and ‘No End’… and if you like what you hear, be sure to look out for his full length LP coming out this spring.
Multiplatinium French Producer Blastar Shows He Has ‘No Limits’ In Brand New Joint
After working with top urban artists in France as well as international artists (Rohff, Pusha T, Tyga, The Game, Joke), BLASTAR steps out and introduces his new track, ‘No Limits’.
The melodic drill style joint is taken from his new project ‘Ex.Nihilo: The Beat Tape’, released last Friday (18th September) on various download/streaming services.
Have a listen to ‘No Limits’ below…
Harleighblu & Bluestaeb Take A Stand On Cat Calling In ‘Call’
After appearing on the blog’s SOTD hot spot last week, UK R&B singer HARLEIGHBLU and neo-soul & hip-hop producer BLUESTAEB circle back with anti-harassment empowerment anthem ‘Call’, the forth single off upcoming joint album ‘She’, out on October 11th 2019.
On a funk infused production courtesy of BLUESTAEB, HARLEIGHBLU takes a stand against cat calling: “We as women constantly have to deal with unwanted attention and aggressive pursuit when we do our thing and this song is a cheerful ‘talk to the hand’, a reminder that we don’t have to entertain such behaviour. Ladies, our journey is a long walk so let this song be the soundtrack to your stride, nothing can stop you especially not the unwanted advances from Mr.Basic”
After HARLEIGHBLU heard BLUESTAEB‘s music at Camden’s Jazz Café in 2016, the multinational duo decided to search for new ways to express their common love for uncompromised hip-hop and R&B. BLUESTAEB’s soulful approach to beat making complemented Harleighblu’s vocals perfectly as she staked her claim on the neo soul and hip-hop territory she always identified with. Hailed as an up and coming ‘queen of soul’ with references to Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, HARLEIGHBLU’s signature sound has matured into a frank, self-possessed voice, bringing us honest, feminine, yet unrepentant lyrical touches.
Additionally, the Paris and Berlin based producer BLUESTAEB made his name through his releases via German tastemaker label Jakarta Records, where he released alongside Kaytranada, Ta-Ku and Mura Masa. Both his solo and collaboration projects have been internationally praised for their warm characteristic sound, receiving airplays on Soulection, BBC 1, Rinse.FM and many more.
With a full collaboration album set to drop in this month, HARLEIGHBLU and BLUESTAEB continue to impress with their seamless musical chemistry and mutual passion for classic R&B and hip hop. ‘Call’ provides a taste for what’s to come from the 13-track stoke of genius, ‘She’.
Check it out below…
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