OUT TODAY: Aiza is claiming her own ‘sovereignty’ on her debut album

Montreal-raised, Toronto-based certified Afrobop queen, AZIA is claiming her own sovereignty on her debut album, out today (29th September)

Featuring 11 tracks which showcase her unique blend of soulful afropop and R&B, ‘Sovereignty’ is in the words of Aiza herself, “an ode to the many lessons I’ve learned to become the empowered and unapologetic woman I am today.”

“The album dives into my experiences dealing with heartbreak, healing my inner child, honoring my lineage and boldly owning the fact that I’m a star.”

Working with her longtime partner and producer, C The Reason, as well as an established team of collaborators including Divinity Roxx, Beyoncé’s former bassist and music director, Aiza has crafted a collection of songs that own her power.

Sovereignty features previously released singles, including the playful Afropop of ‘Majimbo,’ Aiza’s French language “eff around and find out” anthem, ‘Kité,’ the delectable and self-assured ‘Alright,’ as well as the album’s debaucherous and seductive lead single, ‘Cocoa Butter.’

During the three years it took to complete ‘Sovereignty’, Aiza explains that she “chose to bet on [herself] over and over again, even when [she] had no idea how it would come together.”

Have a listen to ‘Sovereignty’ below…

Must Listens: Cocoa Butter, Black Tea, Majimbo, Kité

Song of the Day: Part Ways – Morgan Swann

Hailing from Ipswich, Suffolk, MORGAN SWANN emerges as a captivating musical force, skillfully intertwining his passions for Rap and R&B to create a distinctive sonic tapestry. His journey into the spotlight has garnered recognition from respected platforms such as BBC Introducing, BBC Look East, Complex, Mixtape Madness, and Grime Originals.

Despite stepping onto the music scene via Soundcloud in November 2017, Swann has shown unwavering dedication and an impressive consistency in his output. Demonstrating an impressive range, he takes pride in his ability to seamlessly transition between infectious melodies and his charismatic rap stylings.

Some of Swann’s most resonant tracks include gems like ‘When You Told Me’, ‘Wannabe’, ‘Accusations’, and ‘Stand The Rain’. These offerings have effortlessly captivated listeners, becoming hallmarks of his artistic prowess.

In his latest release, ‘Part Ways’, Swann delves into the world of past love. This standout track, in contrast to his previous “love song” releases, exudes a distinct vibe that sets it apart. With ‘Part Ways’, Swann aims to make his mark in the UK music industry, hoping that this single will be the catalyst to solidify his presence as a notable artist. Through his innovative blend of sounds and unwavering dedication, Morgan Swann paves his own path in the realm of music. Have a listen to ‘Part Ways’ below…

Song of the Day: Go Crazy – Tai Mistyque

Emerging female artist TAI MISTYQUE (pronounced Tay-Mis-Teek) has crafted a spellbinding track, ‘Go Crazy’.

In the harmonious contemporary soulful R&B single, Tai Mistyque effortlessly weaves her soulful vocals around a lush production, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of modern R&B while paying homage to its timeless roots.

The Wisconsin songbird creates music for everyday women – whether they are seeking spiritual enlightenment, fighting for equal rights, or simply pursuing their dreams. She wants her music to be a soundtrack for those who are determined to make the most out of their lives. Check out the video for ‘Go Crazy’ below…

From vinyl to digital! Listen To Marcus Machado’s Album ‘Blue Diamonds’

After releasing the critically acclaimed ‘Aquarius Purple’ with Soul Step Records in 2020 and selling out the entire run – MARCUS MACHADO‘s newest effort ‘Blue Diamonds’ is now available on all digital streaming platforms. The album was released on vinyl in May to rave reviews including a feature in the latest issue of Guitar World Magazine.

Marcus was named “Next Young Gun” by Rolling Stone Magazine and since then, Marcus has not disappointed in becoming one of the most in demand young guitar players in the world in both the studio and on the road. Recently, Marcus has collaborated on the music score for the documentary “Mr. Soul.” Marcus also was requested to play the national anthem in Madison Square Garden for the NY Knicks as well as Oracle Arena for the Golden State Warriors.

Marcus has grown in notoriety through his work with Th1rt3en with Pharoahe Monch and Daru Jones. He has also been featured many times in print as well, earning rave reviews in Guitar World and Guitar Player Magazine.

Fans who enjoyed the adventurous sounds of ‘Aquarius Purple,’ will certainly enjoy the growth demonstrated on ‘Blue Diamonds.’ It is deep and soulful R&B listeners can take a trip with. Marcus delivers again another set of funky and soulful jams. Listeners continue to get instrumental funk and R&B tunes that are driven by Marcus’ soaring and screaming guitar as he showcases why he just might be one of the best players in the game.

As an added bonus on this LP, listeners will get plenty of guest vocalists to take things to another level. Jermaine Holmes, Brian Owens, and many more grace the tracks on ‘Blue Diamonds’. Marcus Machado has an uncanny ability to create some truly inspiring musical landscapes, and ‘Blue Diamonds’ is no exception. This record is full of grooves and the best way to experience it – is to get it on a turntable and feel.

‘Blue Diamonds’ album is now out across various music platforms.

Connect with Marcus Machado via:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarcusMachado/
T: https://twitter.com/Marcus__Machado
IG: https://www.instagram.com/officialmarcusmachado/

Nia Chennai is not ‘Wasting Time’ on toxic love in brand new single.

South London-born R&B talent NIA CHENNAI is making waves once again with her latest track, ‘Wasting Time,’ ahead of her upcoming EP ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper,’ set to drop later this year.

Love is a “losing game,” as late vocalist Amy Winehouse once said. Nia masterfully captures the essence of this, as each verse delves deep into the struggles of toxic relationships and explores themes of overthinking and self-doubt. Nia showcases evolving song-writing abilities in ‘Wasting Time,’ experimenting new flows and rhyming patterns. The first verse is captivating with smooth and, at times, breathy vocals, with a Hip-Hop-like flow – a combination that successfully juxtaposes charm with assertiveness in her lyrics. Nia then seamlessly glides through the second verse in traditional R&B-singer fashion, with catchy melodies and production from Mont Jake ensuring perfectly-layered backing vocals.

Commenting on the new single, Nia Chennai said: “When I wrote ‘Wasting Time’, understanding the idea of what love really is was heavily on my mind. Whilst on that journey, it made me realise that I can’t waste my time on someone displaying “love” with words. I’ve been there, I’ve done that and threw the t-shirt in the bin! If the actions aren’t matching, then I don’t want it!

Nia’s melodies and introspective lyrics have garnered attention from esteemed publications, including Sterofox, Guap, It’s All Massive – and, of course, New Lease Music. Nia has also impressed many live audiences, opening at the Bristol and Manchester dates for Ojerime’s headline tour in February at Bristol Strange Brew and Canvas Manchester, respectively. Nia performed at Shoreditch’s Roundtrip & Workship in March for ‘Breaking Sounds’ and at Kindred for ‘Sonic Waves’ in May. Nia also played at the AnyWear release party with Nicce in October.

Now it’s time check out great talent…listen to ‘Wasting Time’ below…