Tag: reviews

Timeless trio Karmacoda shares self-empowerment ballad, ‘Try At Me.’

Comprising of Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett (aka B. on vocals and producer) and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass), captivating trio KARMACODA have unveiled their new single, ‘Try At Me’, which takes on a soulful, R&B quality that oozes with jazz lounge sensibility. A tender but passionate anthem to self-liberation and overcoming hardship, this track sees Jessica Ford baring her soul in her stirring, powerful vocal delivery. Her vocals soar over a gentle, syncopated downtempo beat, minimal R&B bassline and lowkey instrumental arrangements peppered with the delicate teal of jazz piano. ‘Try At Me’ is bathed in emotion and pain, yet decidedly triumphant and hopeful.

Jessica shared: “I wrote this song about a young girl I teach singing to. She had been through so much loss, anger, sadness and so many trials; more than any little girl should ever have to endure. I watched her fall into a depression, so much so, she didn’t want to sing anymore. Slowly but surely, through love, time and a lot of work, she started coming back, becoming more confident. I watched her fight for it.The song ‘Try At Me’… the words are “it’s time to try at me”, in other words, it’s time to give myself some girl power. It’s time to find myself, it’s time for me to rise, take a chance on myself, get out of this dark place, be heard, grow, and take a leap of faith, even when I feel beat up, I know I can stand up, try at me. She did, and she is. She is singing again. I couldn’t love this more. To my girl, this one’s for you.”

With impressive discography and many awards under their belts, San Francisco- based KARMACODA have offered up a vast array of sounds over the last twenty years, including electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock and dream pop. While still eluding being pigeonholed into a single genre, the trio’s sound has evolved into a soulful, sophisticated fusion of R&B, jazz lounge, drawing comparisons to the likes of powerful artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and Lana Del Ray.

‘Try At Me’, was released on 26th January via Sola Musa Music. Why not check it out below…

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OUT TODAY: Listen to Sy Smith’s Album, ‘Until We Meet Again.’

It’s been nearly six years since SY SMITH‘s acclaimed album, ‘Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete’. After guesting on Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s ‘The Ride’ for their excellent 2021 album Abstractions, the multi-talented, Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter and actress reunites with her frequent collaborators for her new album ‘Until We Meet Again’, released today (26th January) on all DSPs via +FE Music/EMPIRE. Produced entirely by Zo! and Tall Black Guy, and executive produced by The Foreign Exchange frontman and Little Brother co-founder Phonte, the album features the sensual lead single ‘Slide’ and serves as Smith’s long-awaited full-length +FE Music debut. Guest appearances include world renowned singer/drummer Sheila E, trumpeter Chris Botti, and more.

“You ever pick up an old photo album that you haven’t seen in many years and look through it? And all the memories of each photo come flooding back as if those pictures were just taken yesterday? That’s what “Until We Meet Again” feels like. It’s a sonic reverie down memory lane – making stops at every single emotion that comes with reminiscing.” – Sy Smith

Sy Smith is set to hit the road in March and April for her Until We Meet Again headlining tour. Dates and more info are available here. For now, have a listen to the breathtaking album…

Must Listens: Photograph, Slide, Summer of ’93, All The Ways,

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Kaitlyn Eve transports us to the early days of romance with stunning ballad, ‘Before Goodbyes’

New York City-based singer-songwriter KAITLYN EVE‘s new single, ‘Before Goodbyes’ brings to life wanting to live in the moment between early romance and falling in love.

The acoustic guitar driven, the indie-pop ballad weaves a bittersweet tale with ethereal piano, romantic cello, and intimate harmonies. The track’s stunning arrangements and emotive lyrics take on a dreamlike state, transporting listeners to the intoxicating early days of romance and inviting us to cherish those fleeting moments of pure, unguarded connection.

Kaitlyn Eve is inspired by artists from all eras, from Carole King and Billy Joel to Sarah Bareilles, Alessia Cara, and Billie Eilish. This mix of pop, rock and soul has influenced her own music. She is especially inspired by the storytelling songwriters craft into their songs and how music has the magic that transports to a specific place and moment in time. When the pandemic shut the world and live music down, she took advantage of the time to develop her sound and purpose as an artist, telling stories of love and heartbreak. Kaitlyn believes there is nothing that can connect and bring people together the way music can.

‘Before Goodbyes’ was released yesterday (19th January) across multiple music platforms. Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…

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K-Riz brings optimism into 2024 with video for latest track, ‘Come & Go’

K-RIZ returns with a new video for ‘Come & Go’ that illuminates the artist’s infectious optimism. The hip-hop and R&B-infused single, which appears on the Birthday Cake Records-released album, ‘One Way Ticket’, is an affirmation to overcome negative thoughts, move through hard times with ease, and embrace the lessons that can be learned from adversity.

On the track, the multi-talented Alberta artist expresses the liberating power of having grace and letting go of the past, while using forward movement as an encouragement to listeners. “Tough times are temporary; they’re teaching lessons,” says K-Riz. “Problems come and go as long as you’re always working towards moving forward. When you look at the storms from that perspective, you can see them for what they are – here today, gone tomorrow – and weather them with more resilience.”

Featuring many of K-Riz’s past collaborators (horns from Octavio N. Santos, violin from Tina Sol, and Deppisch on the flute), swirling arrangements complement producer Theo’s spacious beats. Emerging Calgary filmmaker Gbohunmi lends his directorial talents, taking viewers on a tour through elevated spaces and mindsets, moving from one transitory place to the next, from train stations to rooftops, culminating in K The Chosen rapping contemplative verses as he walks through Calgary at night. The video also features cameos from rappers Tea Fannie and La Tytan.

The release of ‘Come & Go’ follows praise for K-Riz’s latest album, One Way Ticket, from various outlets. RANGE Magazine included the album on its list of the Top 50 Canadian Albums of 2023, and Bandcamp featured the LP as a New & Notable album upon its release, while Complex Canada included singles ‘Middle Finger U’ and ‘Inside Your Love’ among its Best New Canadian Tracks. Look for more visuals from the album soon, and listen to One Way Ticket on all streaming platforms now.

Check out the video for ‘Come & Go’ below…

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Rapper/singer Alex Luke unveils debut EP, ‘Star Projector’.

Manchester’s soulful singer, rapper and producer ALEX LUKE‘s debut EP ‘Star Projector’, effortlessly blends soulful melodies, intricate rap flows, funk stylings, and Luke’s signature horns. The self-produced project has been three years in the making and is a triumphant showcase of authenticity and versatility.

The EP’s uniqueness extends to an additional four personalised voice note recordings, offering an intimate window into the artist’s life and the stories behind the music. Additionally, three official music videos, including the emotionally charged ‘DNA,’ shot by Sophia J Carey (Loyle Carner, Little Simz), bring Luke’s vision to life.

In a poignant tribute to his late brother, who passed away in 2015, Alex sought solace in the embrace of music, adopting his brother’s middle name, ‘Luke’ as a timeless tribute to his memory.

His musical journey has been marked by unwavering dedication, earning recognition from The Ivors Academy, BBC Radio Introducing Manchester, Spotify Fresh Finds UK + IE, Amazing radio and praise from Jamz Supernova. Independently, Luke has achieved remarkable milestones, selling out his last three headline shows in Manchester and securing support slots across the UK (including acts like Jahméne and Mamas Gun), and taking the stage at local festivals like Dot To Dot and Indie Week. As a testament to his growing success, Luke is set to headline a thrilling show on March 29th, 2024, at Manchester’s iconic Deaf Institute (tickets on sale now).

Alex Luke’s ‘Star Projector EP’ establishes his mark on the music scene, showcasing his undeniable talent and creative vision. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Remember Me, DNA

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