Song of the Day: Pulling Me Closer – Aeris Roves

‘Pulling Me Closer’ marks the first single of 2022 from London based, singer, songwriter, poet and producer – AERIS ROVES . It follows on from 2021 records ‘Cairo’ and ‘Long Way Down’ which were well received after a 2 year hiatus.

Whilst ‘Cairo’ was about finding the gold in someone and ‘Long Way Down’ looked at the breakdown in communication during a relationship and the process of realigning with a partner – ‘Pulling Me Closer’ explores initial attraction and it’s unexpected intensity.

Speaking in more detail, Aeris reiterates “Pulling me closer – A song that started off as an unfinished acoustic idea on Instagram. It was shared by Billie Eilish. A trip to Los Angeles with Two Inch Punch offered the inspiration needed to finish the production. Thematically, it explores a situation of initial attraction, in that it’s unexpected and intense, pondering the fact that once it takes hold, it is very difficult to let go of.”

With influences deeply rooted in soul and modern R&B Aeris draws influence from The Drifters, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Majid Jordan and more. Growing up, Aeris would sing in local choirs gradually teaching himself guitar in his bedroom as an accompaniment.

His first commercial offering came in the form of a self-produced 2018 Soundcloud release, ‘Banks.’ The track garnered an initial buzz in the UK, quickly extending across the Atlantic where it was championed by US pop sensation Billie Eilish – She in turn invited him to support her on her European tour.

A successful run followed, cutting his live teeth and landing him a record deal with RCA where he released his debut LP ‘Moon By Island Gardens’ to much critical acclaim.

In 2020, with new label and management in tow, Aeris used lockdown to return to the studio to delve into a new body of work.

Stay tuned for the release of more singles from this guy…until then, have a listen to ‘Pulling Me Closer.’

Gina Naomi Baez Shares Beautifully Raw Single, ‘Stick Around’

Featuring delicate piano melodies, heart-wrenching lyrics and echoing back vocals, GINA NAOMI BAEZ‘s brand new single, ‘Stick Around,’ explores the feeling of being undeserving of love, care and attention. It asks the question how someone could choose to stick around for another, even through the toughest and worst times.

The New York songwriter confides, “Showing your truth is such a vulnerable state and when you find someone who embraces you at your best and lowest …well…that is rare and something you should protect at all costs.” The song was originally just one verse and a chorus written and shared on TikTok, however after realizing that the song resonated with so many people, Baez decided to complete and produce the entire song.

Baez has also seen great success with her YouTube channel which has built an impressive following. Her infamous “Lizzo’s Truth Hurts x Hocus Pocus” parody music video went viral after LIZZO herself reposted it, as well as Bette Midler. The channel features creative, unique original music videos, covers and parodies of popular songs and has garnered worldwide recognition from the likes of PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, Access Hollywood, The Huffington Post, MTV, Perez Hilton, FOX, E! ONLINE, Ryan Seacrest, Yahoo News!, Stylist and much more.

The emotive songbird also has a flourishing acting career, featuring in Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, Orange is the New Black and most recently CBS’s FBI.

‘Stick Around’ is out now on all download and streaming sites. Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: Every Time I See the Ocean – Cassie Marin

Infusing harmonic electro-pop beats with ethereal R&B vocals, CASSIE MARLIN’s ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ is an evocative and captivating listen. Confronting the malaise of alienation, Cassie opens her heart to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood. It’s a song about searching for acceptance in a world where people expect you to remain the same, finding comfort in change, and finding strength in the solitude and pain.

The title of the track — ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ — is an ode to Cassie’s upbringing near the beach. Expanding on this, she says, “I didn’t have anyone to play with as a child, but somehow the ocean had a presence so strong I forgot about my feelings of loneliness when I would swim in it. I remember daydreaming underwater and using my imagination in ways that felt so close to magic. I felt I metamorphosed in there. To this day I really do change drastically when I visit the ocean, it’s like taking a vitamin that induces me to refresh and be deeply honest with myself. This song is that to me, a dip into an underwater daydream.“

Arriving on the heels of ‘Tanto’ and ‘Busy Body,’ ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ is the newest glimpse of what to expect from Cassie’s forthcoming 2022 album. With these new songs, Cassie takes a propulsive leap with her songwriting, opening up about her most private battles and innermost thoughts. Instead of succumbing to self-indulgence and pity, she wields her hardships as a portal to empower and transform. “I started pursuing music as a career because of what music did and still does for me; it saves me every day,” she says. “I want my music to be there for anyone and everyone who needs it the way that music was there for me.”

Have a listen to ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ below..

Magi Merlin Shares New Single, ‘Free Grillz’ + Video

After courting a cult following with her underground EPs Drug Music, On My Way to the Listening Party, and subsequent singles, the ever-mysterious Canadian artist, MAGI MERLIN (pronounced MADGE-eye) is stepping into her moment with new single, ‘Free Grillz.’ The new track follows off earlier tips from CRACK Magazine and spots opening for the likes of Lido Pimienta and playing at Osheaga alongside ODIE, Jessie Reyez, etc. She will support the new single with SXSW dates and a debut headline show in Brooklyn at Purgatory on March 9.

Produced by longtime collaborator and beatsmith Funkywhat, ‘Free Grillz’ finds Magi’s vocals gliding over frostbitten hi-hats, tectonic snares, and a shattering bassline showing off the extent of her talents, marrying a sensuous and self-assured rapping style with a wistful hook. Changing tact from earlier releases, Merlin switches out some of those syrupy R&B flavors for the sounds of 90’s house, drum and bass and acid-flecked hip-hop. ‘Free Grillz’ is a track that playfully aspires to the tropes of rap fame while also frankly reflecting on the realities of day-to-day life (like having your name mispronounced, or having to kick out the clingy man who won’t leave your apartment).

Directed by Walid Jabri, the music video for ‘Free Grillz’ shows Magi in an intimidating, cold and yet utterly captivating light. Proudly flaunting her grillz, she embodies the daring attitude of the song and mesmerizes viewers in an array of red hues and fast-moving shots. From motorcycle rides to blowing off a boring guy and mosh pitting, Magi keeps us on our toes as she references the lifestyle in the lyrics.

Check out the fierce video to the equally fierce track below…

Ally Eandi Delivers Heartfelt Break-Up Anthem, ‘Ghost Boy’

Delicately beautiful yet daunting, promising newcomer ALLY EANDI‘s new single, ‘ghost boy’, goes through the process of grieving after a heartfelt break-up, comparing the experience to a death of a close family member. Through her emotive vocal performance, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter ponders whether the one she once called her love, ever crossed her mind.

Since releasing her debut single, ‘My First Dance’ back in June 2021, Ally Eandi was met with instant critical acclaim for her ability to produce emotionally raw yet whimsical lyrics that are often compared to the likes of Girl In Red, Chloe Moriondo, and Olivia Rodrigo.

For her fourth and current single, the teenage songstress has worked with producer Kate Malone (Sam Hunt, Emma White, Alana Springsteen) to bring her well receiving spelling-bounding storytelling further to life.

Have a listen to Ally’s magical offering ‘ghost boy’ below…