Following their previous R8B/Soul effort ‘Erased’ in 2021, London producer RAY ALEX once again teams up with LA vocalist and songwriter Sydney Jane for his self-produced single ‘Grey Rock Shuffle.’
Projecting past traumas and psychological abuse, Ray Alex and Sydney Jane offer an alternative antidote to toxic and narcissistic behaviour with ‘Grey Rock Shuffle’. Co-produced with ako, the song nods to Larry Heard, Vikter Duplaix and funky house from that era and has an oxymoronic twist in how the dark unsettling lyrics in the song coexist with its vibrant, off-centre instrumentation that feels upbeat and inviting.
‘Grey Rock Shuffle’ is the first of seven songs to be released from Ray Alex’s second EP ‘Unseen Powers’ in Spring 2023 on his independent label Incorporelle.
Ray Alex has also co-wrote and performed on Julia Romana’s debut album ‘Blood Be Fluid’ and is set to release songs with London rapper SAMSON and Atlanta rapper JoeJas in early 2023.
GHALIA can immediately draw in a crowd with her single, ‘444’ thanks to its intimate soulful punch packed with incredible vocals and harmonies.
Set in the often dark, lonely, and quiet time of day at 4:44AM, the track follows a melodious conversation between Ghalia and vocalist Rehana who plays the role of the ‘angel.’ Calling out to this figure through dreamy vocal layers and lyrical pleas, Ghalia asks for the angel’s presence and guidance to help her through sleepless nights, give her signs to keep persevering, and above all, provide reassurance that she should keep her faith in the ‘angel.’
With an undeniably ethereal sonic quality, Ghalia flawlessly delivers emotional lyrics that tell the story of the give and take in relationships, the importance of mutual faith and trust, and the risk we all take when we open ourselves up to someone. Following Ghalia and Rehana’s captivating conversation with one another, the track builds to a sharp and emotionally electrifying guitar solo, which perfectly contrasts against the mellow and soothing quality of the rest of the song. Describing ‘444’ as her “most vulnerable song yet,” Ghalia combines her seasoned storytelling skills and relatable lyrics with catchy and dynamic R&B production to perfectly encapsulate the complicated relationship between herself and the angel.
Following her signature formula for creating new music by starting with a beat and simple melody, ‘444’ initially started out as a solo project, but quickly became a duet and collaboration with Toronto-based vocalist Rehana when the two connected via social media during the pandemic lockdowns. The two talented artists then came up with the idea to turn the one-sided track into a dichotomous conversation between the pair in which they both express their desire to be needed and desired by one another. Although the two have never met in person, after sending various melodies, verses, and mixes back and forth, ‘444’ has truly become a collaborative sonic forum where Ghalia and Rehana have bared their deepest insecurities and emotions with one another.
Inspired by a diverse group of talent that ranges from The Weeknd to Kehlani to Justin Bieber, Ghalia has used their work as a launching pad for her own – weaving melancholy lyrics with invigorating R&B style beats to craft her own unique sound.
Ghalia’s ability to capture the attention of listeners with specially-selected beats, complex drops and arrangements have set her apart from the rest. Her new single ‘444’ will be sure to delight her current and future fans, alike. Check it out below…
Lifted from her debut album, ‘Where I Left You’ via +FE Music/EMPIRE, singer-songwriter BEMYFIASCO‘s single, ‘U and I’ speaks to the delicate balance of the Dallas, Texas native’s pursuit of romance in the midst of a demanding music career. What began as a freestyle in a voice memo has now become the most popular song on the album, reaching half a million streams on Apple Music alone.
Out today, the song’s official music video exclusively premiered via BET Soul and is now available on YouTube. Written and directed by Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Netflix’s Really Love, OWN’s Queen Sugar, etc.), the video co-stars Marcus Callender (best known for his role as Power in Hulu’s Wu-Tang drama series) and reflects the song’s narrative by offering visual representations of emotional vulnerability, tender affection, and quiet confidence in romance.
After headlining Drake’s OVO homecoming kick-off, Canadian icon SHAWN DESMAN marks an unprecedented return to the limelight for one of Canada’s biggest musical success stories. This top charting, multi-platinum selling, award-winning artist has created some of the most recognized songs of the past two decades.
Desman comes from a groundbreaking era of Canadian music that paved the way for the next generation of artists we see today. With a deep history of success, he exploded onto the scene, making waves across the country with his signature sound and style. Making his mark on an entire generation of Canadians, Desman achieved incredible accolades including five Platinum selling singles, a Platinum selling album, multiple chart-topping radio hits, and a plethora of awards including a JUNO Award for R&B Sound Recording of the Year, three MMVA’s, and multiple SOCAN Awards for his songwriting.
His latest single, ‘Maniac’, is exactly where he wants to be artistically and musically. Infectious, fun, feel good & nostalgic. Check it out below…
Danish, London based singer and producer MARIE DAHLSTROM has enlisted MiC LOWRY’s Delleile Ankrah for a new single ‘Clouds’ – the first new music to be heard since her 2021 EP ‘Safe Place’.
Widely known for her irresistible R&B-flecked neo soul, new single ‘Clouds’ bursts with positive affirmations: “I keep telling myself / every day I wake up in the morning – I got it”, as Marie and Delleile share verses across the track before uniting on its soaring chorus. Showcasing their respective transfixing vocal prowess, the pair muse on losing yourself – but taking the necessary steps to change things and move forward.
Consistently proving she is one of the most essential voices in contemporary R&B, Marie Dahlstrom is supported and praised widely at press by the likes of Billboard, NPR, The Line Of Best Fit, NYLON, Complex, Wonderland Magazine and more, as well as being listed as a ‘Sleeper Pick’ by Joe Budden (twice) on The Joe Budden Podcast (the most influential podcast in R&B and hip-hop globally). Marie Dahlstrom has also received substantial radio airplay from BBC 1Xtra DJ’s Jamz Supernova, DJ Target, Toddla T and Rinse FM’s Jyoty.
Marie Dahlstrom headlines London’s Lafayette on 6th April 2023. New single “Clouds” ft. Delleile Ankrah is out now via Marie’s own imprint JFH Records. Check it out below…
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