Song of the Day: Florida Water – Asha Imuno

LA-based genre-defying artist ASHA IMUNO‘s single, ‘FLORIDA WATER,’ is a soul-stirring offering which sees the breakthrough act navigate the complexities of love and nostalgia. In ‘FLORIDA WATER,’ Asha builds a sonic world sewn with anecdotes from his most intimate relationships, resulting in an introspective, cathartic offering boasting the utmost whip-appeal vibes. Co-produced by Asha, Zach Ezzy (Jordan Ward, Smino, Alex Isley) and Jack Dine (Robert Glasper, Alex Isley, Masego) ‘FLORIDA WATER’ marks a departure from the conventional, paying homage to classic hip-hop but with a modern twist, incorporating warm elements from 70s and 80s R&B/soul.

On the inspiration behind the single, Asha explains, “FLORIDA WATER is a cheeky grin at an entire complicated and beautiful phase of my life. It’s a lighthearted Frankenstein of my love experiences— the ones that feel too good to be true in the best and worst of ways. By melding these different experiences into one story, I can more easily reflect on how I process love, and what nostalgia feels like for me when it comes to love.”

The official music video, directed by Angel Orozco, sees Asha masterfully explore the complexities of love and self-identity, creating a series of silhouettes that explore the universal struggles and triumphs within the context of a suburban black family. Between the oldest daughter, youngest son, mother and father, the video delves into the intricacies of romantic love and how it influences each individual’s self-love, as well as their capacity to love their families. Drawing inspiration from cinematic masterpieces like “Moonlight” and “Atlanta,” the visual is a deeply vulnerable, honest, and provocative reflection of the black experience.

Asha is an absolute self-starter, having built his music career from the ground up. His cult following was ignited with his breakout single “ZIG ZAGGING,” which has accumulated 10M+ streams on Spotify. His innovative spirit has led to recent career milestone moments, including being named one of Pigeons and Planes Best New Artists (September 2023) following the release of his spitfire single ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME?,’ ft Atlanta native Rizz Capolotti. He performed at A Toast To Black Hollywood during this year’s BET Awards, and is a member of the POC-led artist community KOGO (home to CONNIE, Alé Araya, Curtis Waters, KOAD & more). The rising act has earned co-signs from the likes of Jordan Ward, Diddy, and Hit-Boy alongside collaborating with buzzing upcomers like Aaron May and AG Club.

‘FLORIDA WATER’ serves as the third single from Asha’s forthcoming debut album ‘PINS & NEEDLES’, further solidifying his storytelling prowess and his ability to capture duality through soul-stirring melodies and thought-provoking lyricism. He invites you to join him on this musical journey, one that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the intoxicating allure of love, its bitter aftertaste, and the pursuit of warmth in its various forms. Check out the video below…

Song of the Day: Wonder – Classified 

Canadian rapper and producer CLASSIFIED‘ single ‘Wonder,’ which features fellow Canadian native singer-songwriter Ian Janes, paints a picture of an individual grappling with personal loss, societal challenges, substance use, and questions about identity and existence. It’s a profound reflection on life, questioning the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of reality and trying to find meaning amidst struggles.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think over the years…really any time I’m not on the go my mind is usually racing. I think a lot of people are like that too…just wondering about things,” says Classified. “It’s like when you go to bed at night and all of your thoughts come at once, this is what that song reflects. Thinking about various personal what-ifs, questioning society, wondering why things are the way they are. The things we wonder can feel personal, but really, we aren’t that unique. This song connects my personal thoughts to what everyone else might wonder about too, giving a glimpse into both my life and our shared experiences.”

This track (penned, crafted, and captured by Classified) skillfully illustrates an individual wrestling with intimate sorrow and daily contemplations. It offers a deep introspection on life, inquisitive about the mysteries and mechanics of this world, while endeavoring to unearth significance amidst life’s trials.

‘Wonder’ is out now via HalfLife Records and Big Story Entertainment, why not check not the compelling video below…

Listen To Skyline Sun & Mío Ma Enchanting Alt-Soul EP, ‘Hibernation’

Acclaimed producer SKYLINE SUN and captivating singer MÍO MA bring together their unique talents to create a mesmerizing release that explores the cycles within society, balancing introspection and vivaciousness through their new EP entitled ‘Hibernation.’

Drawing inspiration from the ebb and flow of life’s rhythms, ‘Hibernation’ delves deep into the multifaceted nature of existence. The EP navigates the introspective moments of solitude and self-reflection, symbolized by the concept of hibernation, while also celebrating the vibrant and socially vivacious aspects of human connection.

This release serves as a gateway to this compelling musical journey, enveloping listeners in a comforting embrace with its roots firmly planted in R&B and Soul while also showing a true and unhindered artistic expression from the duo. Skyline Sun’s impeccable production skills shine through, creating a lush sonic landscape that perfectly complements Mío Ma’s enchanting vocals. The result is a harmonious blend of familiar R&B elements and innovative, fresh sounds, born straight from the gut feelings of the two artists.

Commenting on the upcoming release Mío Ma said, “The entire feeling of the EP is that stomach dropping moment or breath just before you fall down from the apex of a rollercoaster. That sense of rising and falling within our own cycles, whether it be seasonal or societal is something everyone can relate to.”

Both based in Berlin, Skyline Sun is the musical moniker for producer and multi-instrumentalist Jarrah Dhyan, while Mío Ma is the moniker for multi-disciplined musician, actress, dancer and curator Sara Vidal Cabré.

Listen to the dynamic duo’s enchanting EP below…

Must Listens: Wee Hour, Stranger

AMAARA Shares Self-Reflective Single, ‘Still’

Following the release of her single, ‘Bright Lights’ last month, Los Angeles-based artist, AMAARA returns with another offering in the shape of single, ‘Still’ – a lush, ethereal pop piece that attempts to distill her experience of love into metaphor.

‘Still’ is one of AMAARA’s favourite songs from her debut LP, ‘Child of Venus’, which documents the journey of rediscovery, transition, and rebirth. The project also encourages the prospective listener to take time out for reflection and introspection.

AMAARA briefly explains the inspirations her debut LP: “I’ve been on a journey of looking into my own childhood conditioning, the notion of unbounded creative genius and where that gets lost in adolescence. It’s a reflective period marked by the question of who I was at the core of myself before I started to be shaped by my environment.”

Watch the self-directed video for ‘Still’ below…

Song of the Day: H.O.M.E. (Here On My Everything) – Chef Porter

CHEF PORTER is the musical moniker of seasoned celebrity chef and musician, Ed Porter. In the culinary world he is known as a veteran Executive Chef with experience in some of the most influential kitchens in New York City. He has competed on and won Guy’s Groceries Games, and he had a starring role in Netflix’s hit reality culinary competition show, Pressure Cooker.

Earlier this year, Chef Porter dropped his debut single ‘Pressure Cooker’, inspired by his time on the show. That track introduced a skilled emcee and singer with a taste for old-school beats and organic R&B vibes. The multifaceted artist continues the evolution of his sound with his sophomore single.

He follows up with ‘H.O.M.E. (Here On My Everything)’. The track opens on a jazz guitar intro before the beat drops on a chill 90’s groove. Chef Porter and J Isaac trade verses, rapping and singing a sweet hip-hop slow jam about the true meaning of home, love, and personal growth.

Check out ‘H.O.M.E. (Here On My Everything)’ below…

Words: The Static Dive