Tag: r&b

Song of the Day: Lady – Deb Fan

Hong Kong-raised and Los Angeles-based artist and producer DEB FAN‘s single, ‘Lady’, is an intricate alt-r&b track which emerges from Deb’s recent pilgrimage to Hong Kong—her first visit in over three years—which reconnected her with the vibrant yet overwhelming pulse of her hometown, prompting a deep reflection of the complexities of modern femininity from her perspective as a Taiwanese immigrant living in the US. Co-produced alongside Max He, ‘Lady’ blends the live instrumentation of 90s R&B and the visual soundscapes of impressionist-era classical music, reclaiming themes of rebirth and challenging stereotypes at the intersection of technology, tradition and femininity.

In the accompanying music video (directed by Breanna Lynn), viewers will see that ‘Lady’ is set against the backdrop of a traditional tea party following Qing Ming Jie (清明節, or Tomb-Sweeping Day), a Chinese festival which blends mourning and remembrance. The visual artfully navigates the concept of techno-orientalism, challenging reductive stereotypes with its narrative and sound. Deb’s exploration of this theme questions the outdated portrayals of Asian cultures as both futuristic and culturally stagnant. The full-female cast subverts the clichéd image of the Asian female cyborg, blending high-tech elements with traditional symbols to stake their claim on their own identity.

In ‘Lady,’ Deb Fan shares that beyond defiance, her freedom of choice in defining her identity is what matters most: “There’s some beauty in made-up rules. King of my world with none to lose.” The song is a bold statement of self-empowerment, reclaiming narratives and defying stereotypes in a world that often seeks to define them for us.

Deb Fan has earned praise from tastemakers at Billboard, Lyrical Lemonade, MTV, Luna Collective, Ones to Watch, That Good Sh*t, and Gen Direct to name a few, as well as Spotify Editorial Playlists – All New Indie, Ethereal, Outliers, .ORG, Poses, high-rise, Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds: R&B, Fresh Finds: Indie, Mood., Radar: Hong Kong, Simmering, +852 Rising as well as over 30 New Music Friday playlists including a top 15 on USA NMF for her last release “9AM IN LONDON”. Deb also covered R&B Rising on Tidal and is set to be a featured Tidal Rising Artist for 2024. In 2023, she went on her debut tour supporting Hojean, and will play the KOHAI showcase in June 2024.

‘Lady’ is the first single released from Deb’s forthcoming sophomore EP ‘Kowloon Demos’. Why not check out the video for single below…

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OUT TODAY: Benny Bizzie delivers emotionally charged single ‘Dejavu’

‘Dejavu’ is the first 2024 release from British singer, rapper, and producer BENNY BIZZIE, expressing frustrations over the terror in Gaza over a Trap-inspired, dramatic, and dark production.

Bizzie calls on his younger self, as a rap/grime artist, to deliver gritty rap lyrics packed with emotion whilst keeping it warm with soulful R&B melodies.

‘Dejavu’ follows Benny Bizzie’s recent Chrysalis EP which gained over one million views on TikTok with UGC and support from Notion and Ear Milk editorials. His E-Motion EP has gained over 600k views on YouTube and over 200k streams on Spotify with support from Link up TV and Sentric Music and regional radio.

He has released 10 EPs to date which earned him 2 nominations at the Urban Music Awards for Best Male and Best R&B, Radio support by Charlie Sloth (BBC 1xtra), DJ Ace, Lionheart BBC Radio London, and collaborations with A-List artists including Ghetts.

He recently made appearance in a recent Remington/Man united global campaign , Golden Terra Oil and National Lotto commercials and landed 2 sync placements on The Bachelors and Home and Away.

‘Dejavu’ was released today (6th June) across various music platforms. Why not check it out below…

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Song of the Day: Rain On Me – Nellie Charles

Coming off the heels of the success of her last single ‘Boss’, which was recently crowned BBC 1Xtra ‘Track of the Week’, and championed by BBC Radio 1, KISS FM, and Capital Xtra, among others, while also garnering critical acclaim from the likes of Notion Magazine, Earmilk, Wordplay Magazine, Ones To Watch, and Apple Music, Manchester-based UK R&B rising sensation NELLIE CHARLES returns with a sultry new offering titled ‘RAIN ON ME’, released via Chocolate Love Monkey and Melody Mover. ‘Rain On Me’ is the second single from Nellie Charles’ highly anticipated debut EP arriving in the summer. ‘Rain On Me’ not only continues the momentum from her previous single ‘Boss’, but also showcases Nellie Charles’ evolving artistry and deepening emotional depth.

Written and produced by Nellie Charles herself, ‘Rain On Me’ explores the tumultuous end of a relationship, with Nellie narrating the emotional complexity of an ex-lover who wants to remain entangled in the past, despite seemingly moving on to somebody else. Driven by Nellie’s rich and emotive voice, as well as her raw and heartfelt lyrics, and complemented by lush grand piano arrangements and glorious bass guitar instrumentation, ‘Rain On Me’ is a powerful and cathartic declaration of closing the chapter on a toxic love, affirming Nellie’s resolve to move forward, unencumbered by the weight of unreciprocated emotions. As Nellie puts it, ‘Rain On Me’ promises to resonate with anyone who has ever had to assert their worth and step away from a relationship that no longer serves them.

Have a listen below…

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Song of the Day: No Escape – KeeZY

Los Angeles based Hip-Hop meets pop artist KeeZY, also known as “Black Bieber,” is known for his incredible versatility and non-traditional approach to music. Defined by years of fighting for his acceptance, the artist uses innovation and unpredictability to confidently showcase his talents. A natural at singing, rapping, and crafting hooks, KeeZY is very strategic when it comes to songwriting. There are many artists who have tried multiple styles of music to show their versatility, but KeeZY has made it a point to master and embody two completely different genres of music as KeeZY himself and his alter ego, “Black Bieber.”

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, KeeZY took to music at an early age – writing, producing, mixing and mastering his first song by the age of 12. By learning all aspects of the recording process, the artist learned invaluable skills which eventually led KeeZY to open his own recording studio chain, Pulse Studios.

His sound encompasses themes including lust, empowerment, and navigating the industry while reaching for success. In a world full of generic artists, KeeZY constantly pushes the envelope with his experimental yet palpable songwriting that connects with listeners around the globe.

Have a listen to one of his masterpiece below titled, ‘No Escape’….

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OUT TODAY: Upcoming rapper Morgan Swann shares single ‘Lay Low’.

Rising rap star MORGAN SWANN unleashes his latest single, ‘Lay Low’. Produced by Kaiso and engineered by DangerSounds, this energetic track reflects Swann’s focused and ambitious mindset as he solidifies his position among the UK’s elite rappers.

Swann’s honest lyricism, combined with the infectious beat, invites listeners into his private realm, where he chooses to keep his circle small and his hustle strong. Melodic keys, seasoned with the saxophone’s sophistication and heavy drill drums, conjure a level of confidence as Morgan Swann’s flow skates beside the instrumental. ‘Lay Low”s new-age approach to jazz is perfectly crafted for those who choose to forge their own paths effortlessly while reflecting on his own truths.

‘Lay Low’ serves as the follow-up single to Swann’s ‘016,’ which received support on BBC 1Xtra, KISS FM, Reprezent, Westside, and more. Have a listen below…

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