Grete shares her beautifully raw EP, ‘Grey’

Lithuania-born, Manchester-based artist GRETE has perfected her own brand of alt-pop – culminating in the fresh, unique and exciting 5 track EP that is ‘Grey’.

While the EP successfully executes a huge variety of musical styles and each song is entirely distinct and standalone, there are several themes that span across the tracklist, tying ‘Grey’ together and turning it into a cohesive, emotionally vulnerable story. Each song focuses on a different low point in Grete’s
past, conveyed through cuttingly honest lyrics and reinforced by moody, mesmerising and sometimes even manic instrumentation.

Grete’s debut single, ‘With u’ is a hybrid of many different popular styles including RnB, jazz and pop, akin to influences such as Yebba and Maro. The live instrumentation invokes a warm, emotional sensation and the dynamic vocals encapsulate the intended emotion perfectly. ‘With u’ is a heartfelt ballad in which Grete is comparing her current life to a previous time.

Second single, ‘How Long’ progresses into a darker, more twisted space. This is brought to life by dissonant chords, biting and distorted guitar leads and Grete’s soaring vocals. The track is punctuated with glitchy details and electronic sparkles, complimenting the instruments and contributing to the cosmic scale of the song.

Grete’s latest single, Cz u don’t’ is a forward thinking, experimental yet vulnerable track influenced by artists like Halsey and Hiatus Kaiyote. The song winds through various sections with a beat in 7 as the backdrop, culminating in a whole-band-polyrhythm to end. The protagonist of ‘Cz u don’t’ is searching for reasons to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Grete started singing when she was only three years old, beginning her performance career in small ensembles and bands. She was quickly spotted and invited to the biggest stages in the country, such as nationally broadcasted competitions, top level musical theatre productions, international concerts and contests, even reaching the finals of ‘The Voice’ Lithuania 2018. Gaining local fame opened many doors for function gigs and session work but that was not the career she truly wanted to pursue.

Grete chose to leave Lithuania and start fresh in the UK. Now she is studying pop music vocals in RNCM. Influenced by artists like Jazmine Sullivan, The Weeknd and Yebba, she began writing vocally colourful and harmonically intricate songs with strong messages and old R&B references.

Why not have a listen to Grete’s stunning EP below…

Must Listens: How Long, With u, colder Summer

Song of the Day: Leave The World Behind – Shyam P & Moon Rocket

Renowned house vocalist, songwriter, and producer SHYAM P, celebrated for his collaborations with industry giants like Ferreck Dawn, Second City, and Josh Butler, has joined forces with legendary Afro House producer, DJ, and piano virtuoso MOON ROCKET, who has been delivering his magical live shows at some of the biggest clubs in New York, Miami and across Italy.

Together, they present a groundbreaking electronic album that transcends boundaries and defines a new era in electronic music. Titled ‘More Than Art and Science,’ the album is a testament to the collective talent and sonic breadth of these two exceptional artists. Both artists have accrued over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and Shyam P’s distinctive vocals, effortless songwriting, and soulful performances have earned him support from Radio 1, CamelPhat, and Annie Mac. Meanwhile, Moon Rocket’s unparalleled piano playing and production skills have solidified his status as a legend in the Afro House scene.

The album’s second single, ‘Leave The World Behind, emerges as an instant standout, epitomising the perfect fusion of elements that define a cross-genre, radio-friendly dance anthem. This track effortlessly intertwines emotion-drenched vocals with a buoyant, uptempo production, encapsulating the essence of a chart-topping hit.

With its infectious chorus, “All I do is close my eyes and leave the world behind me,” the song not only captivates with its catchiness but also resonates deeply. In today’s whirlwind of existence, the track embarks listeners on a transformative odyssey of introspection, underscoring the significance of gratitude, liberation, and authenticity.

Radiating a feel-good vibe and pulsating tempo, ‘Leave the World Behind’ embodies the essence of summer, serving as the quintessential soundtrack for carefree moments and sun-kissed dance floors. The vocals, brimming with passion, seamlessly harmonise with the production, immediately uplifts spirits and strikes a chord with listeners.

Why not listen below…

New York’s spitter Rayne Storm returns with six songs from ‘Storms Coming II’ mixtape

RAYNE STORM has officially dropped six songs off his popular mixtape ‘Storms Coming II’, the sequel to the series that began his career.

The 6 pack includes ‘Gettin’ Bizzy’, ‘Much More’, ‘Up Up Away’, ‘No Tomorrow’, ‘Revolution’ amd “Scorchers’.

Features include Loudpack Dash, Streatz Merdah, Sunny Lucas, Roy Dean, Scribe The Verbalist, Mankind Music Academy & Path P. Production is handled by Roy Dean, Jay Retro & Anno Domini Nation.

This is the first time these songs have been made available on major streaming services as the mixtape was previously exclusive to YouTube, Bandcamp and Audiomack. Be sure to get your hands and ears on these gems and check out the original mixtape which includes 21 total tracks! Check them out below…

Song of the Day: So Much More – Quinn Oulton

London-based multi-instrumentalist & songwriter QUINN OULTON‘s first single of 2024, ‘So Much More’, is a poignant reflection upon the life of his grandmother, who lived with Parkinson’s Disease for as long as he can remember.

Written from the perspective of Quinn’s grandmother, the track details her fighting spirit and love for life, despite the adversities she faced. It’s a deeply moving tribute to a woman who had no time for self-pity, but spent a lifetime pouring love into the world and helping others. Quinn contrasts his tender lyrical approach with a frenetic combination of acoustic guitar, electronics and dulcet saxophone tones, creating a musical representation of the complexities of living with Parkinson’s.

On the track, he shares: “This track is dedicated to my grandma, GK, who had Parkinson’s for almost as long as I can remember. She was cheated out of life experiences, but despite being born into unimaginably difficult circumstances and fighting for a life she was proud of, she didn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, she took it upon herself to learn every dark detail about the disease that was eating away at her, and focused her brilliant mind on helping others in any way they needed.”

South London-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist & producer Quinn Oulton is known for his unique concoction of electronic, indie and jazz. His recent releases bring contemporary RnB elements into the mix – expect heavily altered vocals, chopped acoustic guitars and fast-paced drums.

His debut album ‘Alexithymia’ was released in 2022, receiving national radio support from Gilles Peterson & Huey Morgan (6 Music), Jack Saunders & Sian Eleri (BBCR1), along with Jamie Cullum (BBCR2)& Jamz Supernova (BBC1Xtra). It includes tracks featuring Moses Boyd and Genevieve Artadi. The deluxe version of the album, released in 2023, features singers Ella Grace and Monica Martin, whilst recent singles have also seen him team up with the likes of Reuben James, Linden Jay and Col3trane. He has recently played supported artists including KNOWER, Laura Misch and Jamie Cullum, and is set to embark on his first UK headline tour this November.

Have a listen to ‘So Much More’ below…

Song of the Day: Unfolded (Put a Little Love) – Karmacoda

Following the recent release of their soulful single ‘Try At Me’ back in January, KARMACODA returns with another irresistibly soul piece, ‘Unfolded (Put a Little Love)’ released via Sola Musa Music.

‘Unfolded (Put a Little Love)’ is a sweet and stirring ode to the beautifully charged moment where you can no longer contain your feelings of love for somebody. Sonically, it is tender and moving – sprinklings of delicately soulful keys, lush yet minimal jazz percussion tinged with a hint of trip-hop and romantically cinematic synth strings gently pull the listener into that gooey feeling of smitten goodness. Jessica’s vocals, as usual, soar richly over this tapestry, singing passionately of the joy, power and rapture of new love blossoming.

Jessica shared: “It’s that feel good song with admittance of loving someone and letting them know how you feel. You can’t keep it a secret anymore. You gotta tell them, hoping they will feel the same. Mad crush vibes with a tinge of nervousness, when you finally let the cat out of the bag. Like “are you feeling what I’m feeling?” If so, let’s take this friendship to the next level, and I’m feeling excited so… put a little love in your heart and match me.”

KARMACODA comprises Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett aka B. (vocals and producer), and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass and unique elements). With an extensive discography and numerous awards, the trio has explored electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock, and dream pop in their two-decade career. Ever-evading genre constraints, KARMACODA’s evolving sound now blends soulful R&B and jazz lounge, earning comparisons to powerful artists like Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis, and Lana Del Rey. Check out ‘Unfolded (Put a Little Love)’ below…