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…

Fast rising R&B/Pop sensation Vincent Darby releases new EP, ‘For When It’s Over’

R&B/pop sensation VINCENT DARBY releases his new EP ‘For When it’s Over’ after recently gracing stages and creating considerable industry buzz at SXSW, NYC, and at School Night (LA). The six song EP follows the release of his uptempo single ‘Rogue’ where Vincent paints a picture of the irresistible allure of forbidden love.

While ‘Rogue’ embodies Vincent’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of R&B and Pop, it also serves as the lead track off his new EP.

“I started the process back in 2016 and I called the EP FOR WHEN IT’S OVER to document what love/lust feels like within this generation of quick attention spans and dating apps,” says the British crooner of Jamaican descent with strong Canadian ties. “In a world of instant gratification, genuine fulfillment in love doesn’t really exist.”

The EP encapsulates these sentiments in under 20 minutes, reflecting on intense yet short-lived relationships, now normalized in our society. Darby emerges as a beacon of musical innovation in the Pop and R&B genres, drawing from his soulful upbringing to craft unforgettable melodies that captivate audiences worldwide.

Inspired by his British upbringing and Jamaican heritage and introduced to music at a young age by his radio DJ grandfather, Vincent’s journey has taken him from karaoke bars showcasing his electrifying voice; to a sold-out headline performance at The Jazz Cafe in London and a coveted spot at BBC Radio 1’s big weekend festival. With hits like ‘We Could Be’ resonating globally and earning acclaim from MTV and BET, Darby is on a fast track to solidify his position as a trailblazer captivating audiences note-by-note.

‘For When It’s Over’ was released last Wednesday (3rd April) via 7 Long Lane Entertainment, an independent label that has contributed to the success of artists including Billie Eilish, Eminem, Mariah Carey, and many

Why not check out ‘For When It’s Over’ below…

Must Listens: Rogue, Come Down, More

Song of the Day: Hazy Baby – Movina

MOVINA‘s journey from contemplating a career in medicine to pursuing her passion for music is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft. Despite initially opting for a pragmatic approach by pursuing finance to support her musical aspirations, Movina’s heart ultimately led her back to her true calling.

With a background in both Carnatic and Western classical music, Movina brings a rich tapestry of sounds and influences to her work. Her upbringing, steeped in the melodies of legends like Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, and A.R. Rahman, alongside icons such as Michael Jackson and Madonna, has shaped her distinctive musical style.

However, breaking into the mainstream music scene hasn’t been without its challenges. Movina acknowledges the competitive nature of the industry, especially as a South Asian artist navigating a predominantly Western market. Yet, she embraces her uniqueness as an asset, setting her apart from the crowd.

“I like the Indian beats and melodies. And it comes through in my music,” says Movina, whose love for her cultural heritage is evident in both her sound and aesthetic.

With ‘Hazy Baby,’ Movina invites us on a journey through her eclectic musical universe, where East meets West in a harmonious blend of sound and style. As she paves her own path, her star continues to rise, promising a future filled with endless possibilities.

Listen to ‘Hazy Baby’ below…

Rising new Pop artist Richi Camarena shares heartfelt new single, ‘Promise You’

RICHI CAMARENA‘s new single ‘Promise You’, is a stunning expression of the most amazing emotion -love – that showcases Richi’s signature sound that includes wonderful melodies, his iconic background voices and his unique voice.

With 17 releases under his belt, Richi Camarena has more than 100,000 streams on his debut album, an interview for a Canadian TV show, and a daily growth of his social media followers.

Richi said: “I hope this song serves as a constant reminder, that true love does exist. So, whenever anyone wants to say, promise, or demonstrate someone how important they are, how loved they really are, I’ll be more than glad to let my song be a part of that expression”

‘Promise You’ was released last Friday (15th March) on all streaming platforms. Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: My Old Friend – OUDi

Sometimes your most rewarding relationship is the one you have with yourself. Over the course of a career that’s taken her from Canada to Nashville—and from the alt-pop/industrial world to the country arena and back again—the phenomenon known as OUDi has learned that lesson all too well. And she’s sharing it on ‘My Old Friend,’ an irresistible high-drama ballad that marks her debut as a solo artist after years of sharing the spotlight.

Built on a plaintive instrumental melody and a mesmerizing clockwork rhythm, the song carries the emotional weight of a conversation you have in the mirror when there’s no one left around to hoodwink. OUDi’s compelling vocal starts off at a seductive purr as she confronts an inner solitude, she might not exactly welcome, but knows she can always count on:

Hello loneliness, can’t say I missed you/But let me tell you this, now I need you

The internal co-dependency fully acknowledged, her amazing voice opens up into a bittersweet embrace of the darkness:

Go and do that thing you do, make me feel and lose my mind/‘Cause I have nothing left to lose, you’ve been waiting all this time/I dare you come a little closer and rest your head upon my shoulder.

This isn’t just a declaration of artistic independence; it’s the story of a life. Born Chrystal Oudijk, she was out of the house and supporting herself by age 16, while pursuing her musical muse through a variety of projects. There was the five-piece alternative band The Perfect Strangers, the pop-industrial project Jakalope (for producer Dave “Rave” Ogilvie) and then—most famously—the pop-country duo Sons of Daughters (with Jimmy Thow). She was Chrystal Leigh by that point, and finding such success as a Billboard-charting, CCMA Award-nominated artist that she had even moved to Nashville from her native Vancouver. There was just one problem:

“Jimmy and I struggled as creative partners,” she divulges. “Add in alcohol, anxiety & depression and we had ourselves a real party!”

The near loss of a family member due to addiction and the confusion of the early pandemic era only deepened her dissatisfaction. When Sons of Daughters parted ways, she took two years to regroup, rethink and write her very first solo album. The release of ‘My Old Friend’ is the opening salvo in her new career—strike that, her new state of being—as OUDi. It also sounds the death knell for what she describes as an adulthood full of toxic relationships and creative compromises.

“I’ve been living in survival mode my entire life,” she reflects. “It’s only been in the past two years I’ve been training my nervous system to relax. I’m excited to finally put my stories to song, for I have a lot of them.”

The year 2024 is going to mark a real renaissance for this woman, she even directed the music video for ‘My Old Friend,’ exploiting a side talent she’s cultivated during her recent period of self-emancipation and reinvention. Her explanation for all of it is as sanguine as the song is bleak, yet equally self-aware:

“I guess it goes to show when you start to live your life authentically and true to yourself, magic really can happen.” Why not watch the video for ‘My Old Friend’ below…