Tag: r&b

Song of the Day: Repose – Ray Alex (ft. Jayda David)

RAY ALEX‘s first single of the year, which features West London poet Jayda David, goes on a powerful journey of growth and departure from pain, touching on the importance of rest, recovery and time. ‘Repose’ is a multi-seasonal R&B number inspired by Q-Tip and contemporary jazz musicians Alfa Mist and Joe-Armon Jones, merging hip-hop with a psychedelic synth slickness and live drum feel.

‘Repose’ unveils how we invariably grow stronger with rest, recovery and restored self-belief after a painful episode in our life. Jayda David exposes themes of identity, appearance and health with powerful, raw lyrics that leave no space for ego or insincerity. Her lyrics: “I kneel to the weaknesses in me, strength has never felt so good, I guess power is birthed in moments of fragility” magnify one’s self-awareness and flaws in order to shed old skin and come back stronger. This universal theme is referenced again by Jayda David with “this soul knows where it’s going, steady growing, I just flow through time“. It serves as a reminder that we should not let others exercise control or influence over us; we should stick to our instinctive driving force and our individuality, feeling free in our own bodies. The lyric “light for hands I deem worthy, heavy for dark souls who yearn to hurt me” is a powerful encapsulation of this.

Prior to their studio session, Ray Alex felt drawn to Jayda David’s honest, poetic portraits of identity and mental health in the performances that she had showcased on her social media. Ray had finished the instrumental for ‘Repose’ six months prior to their studio session and held off as the lead vocalist, as he felt the music would lend itself better to another artist with a different story to tell.

Ray Alex’s previous EP ‘Good To Me’ released in March 2022 received frequent airplay on Soho Radio and Amazing Radio, to name a few, in a list with Little Simz, Children Of Zeus and more. Remixes of his song ‘Erased’ received airplay on KISS and other stations worldwide. Ray Alex has a string of singles scheduled for release in 2023…so look out for that…but for now, listen to ‘Repose’ below…

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Song of the Day: City Lights – DFlexXx

DFLExXx has started 2023 on a chilled vibe with ‘City Lights’, inspired by H.E.R’s hit ‘Slide’. A perfect addition to any summer playlist, the catchy chorus of this smooth RnB joint has been dominating the radio airwaves since its release late last month.

25-year-old Cardiff born Welsh rapper Darnell Ramone Williams (DFlexXx) has a unique, credible and commercial sound that is a blend of Hip Hop and Trap, predominantly rooted in the contemporary UK Rap scene. He developed his performing skills from the young age of six as part of dance troop, Jukebox Juniors, who achieved traction following their feature in a BBC Documentary and went on to appear in children’s TV shows & in films. After studying music at Bridgend College and ACM London, he discovered his natural talent for rapping and songwriting, and so decided to pursue the path of a professional rapper. Subsequently, he has released three other singles and promises a bright future in the music industry.

Well it’s time to check out DflexXx’s ‘City Lights’ below…

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Song of the Day: Insane – Tar Ráe

Kick starting 2023 with her brand-new sensual sizzler is British-Nigerian singer-songwriter TAR RÁE. Following on from the release of her debut single ‘See You’ back in 2021, the promising songstress has returned with an infectious drop titled, ‘Insane’.

Underpinned with an acoustic backdrop that accents both R&B and Afrobeat elements, ‘Insane’ is harnessed with an up-beat energy; a sharp contrast to the message behind the track. Delving into the trials and tribulations that come with a spiralling relationship, Tar Ráe lets it be known that she will still do anything for her partner.

Accompanied alongside a set of story-telling visuals we follow Tar Ráe around various settings as she gives her piece of mind. From singing in the rain to her sitting in her bedroom undergoing a “gen z” self-care moment, we follow a modern-day love story on the rocks. Speaking on the release Tar Rae commented, “Insane describes a girl who is at a point in her relationship where her partner is driving her crazy, but she wants to stick beside him anyway. It includes a message that is typically delivered over emotional R&B instrumentals, but with a more up-beat, fun delivery.”

Born in Romford, Essex and raised in Peckham, South-East London, Tar Ráe grew up in a musical household listening to Gospel, R&B, and Afrobeats. It was inevitable that one day she would follow down a similar path and explore a career in music of her own. Taking inspiration from artists including Beyonce, Chris Brown, Brandy, Whitney Houston, and Rihanna, the London native wrote her first song at just fourteen years old before deciding to pursue singing seriously two years later following a conversation with her father. Attending studio sessions in 2019 Tar Ráe began recording her own music before sharing her debut single ‘See You’ in 2021.

Catching the eyes of many reputable songwriters and producers, the newcomer is ready to take it up a notch in 2023 with a catalogue of new music. Check out the video for ‘Insane’ below…

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Upcoming Songstress Leiyah Drops A Soulful Love Note, ‘Reasons’.

Croydon songstress LEIYAH lets her intentions be known loud and clear as she explores the infatuation with a fellow love interest, in brand-new hypnotic single, ‘Reasons’. Underpinned with an irresistible and sultry feel, ‘Reasons’ is harnessed with a dark yet up-beat production courtesy of Rizmadeit.

Following a year-long hiatus, Leiyah boasts her rich and soulful tone over the beat as she delves into a relationship with a love interest. Connecting with someone who takes those darker days and brings out your inner glow, Leiyah makes her intentions clear as she no longer wishes to spend her nights alone. Speaking on the release Leiyah commented, “Reasons was a song I brought to life that I wrote during the lockdown, it was a plea for my lack of physical connection during the pandemic.” 

Growing up in a musical family, Leiyah’s (real name Aaliyah Hibbert) late uncle Earl ‘WYA’ Lindo was an original member of Bob Marley and the Wailers not to mention her farther who’s a DJ – it was inevitable that one day the 22-year-old would follow in their footsteps. Growing up listening to the likes of Aaliayh, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, Sade, Beyonce, and many more, Leiyah was also introduced to the sounds of both 70’s and 80’s Soul, alongside Hip-Hop and Grime. Going on to attend the famous BRIT School from the age of 14, she secured a BA in Music Industry and an MA in Music Business Management and Artist Development. Exploring her love for singing and song writing from a youthful age, Leiyah went on to share her debut album ‘Souls of September’ back in 2018 which led to her recording an acoustic session on BBC Radio Berkshire alongside a chance to perform at the Apple Store on Regent Street in London.

Swiftly building a name for herself and performing at various festivals including Metrofest (20k people) and Titanfest, Leiyah has since opened for R&B legend Meli’sa Morgan at the world-famous Jazz Café for two sold-out dates. Later teaming up with a Danish Dance producer for an infectious track that captured support from BBC 1Xtra and Kiss FM, Leiyah has since shared a string of successful singles and last year (2022) hosted for Nickelodeon and Netflix in partnership with Paramount for their ‘That Girl Lay Lay’ event for over 5,000 children. Back with a bang, Leiyah is gearing up for a year of unmissable music, kick starting with ‘Reasons’. Have a listen below…

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London’s R&B Songstress Zaneita Gets ‘Low’ In Her Brand New Single.

Following on from previous hit ‘Bonnie & Clyde’, North West London’s songbird ZANEITA (pronounced zen-knee-tah) makes an impactful return with her latest release ‘Low’.

Undeniably proving that her unique and captivating versatility is what separates her from her peers within the R&B space, ‘Low’ is an infectiously refreshing offering; written, performed, mixed and mastered by Zaneita herself.

Her carefully constructed vocal stacks and melodies compliment Yoni’s guitar-clad instrumental, with the track’s overall vibe a sing-along anthem for the masses.

Zaneita’s love for music began after being gifted Alicia Keys’ debut album ‘Songs In A Minor’ on CD, eventually leading her to pursue a career as a fully fledged artist.

Growing up, Zaneita was also influenced by artists such as Toni Braxton, TLC and Lauryn Hill, leading her to develop her own distinctive voice. This, teamed with her infectious melodies and gripping storylines, effortlessly captivates Zaneita’s listeners with each track.

At the start of 2021, Zaneita began work on her diverse musical catalogue, with first single ‘Quarter Life Crisis’ released in December of that year.

Fast forward to 2022, Zaneita unleashed her next offering ‘Bonnie & Clyde’, finding herself “back in the trenches” with a new love interest. The track was notably supported by Ellie Prohan on Kiss FM, proving that at just 24 years old, Zaneita is a master of her craft.

Zaneita has not only performed at her own headline show in Dalston’s Moustache Bar, as well as performing at Boxpark Wembley, but she also has plans to release forthcoming EP ‘Low’, ‘The Girl Who Lived’ album, as well as features, remixes, music videos and more. Check out ‘Low’ below…

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