Tag: reviews

Merittocracy drops track ‘Desire’ ft Jocelyn Brown.

Zimbabwe-born/Scottish-based house/electronic producer Mani S – aka MERITTOCRACY – gets ready to unveil his third single ‘Desire’, featuring the instantly recognisable soulful vocals of legendary singer Jocelyn Brown. The deep soulful house cut is coming out 26th September via his record label, Black Sugar Music.

‘Desire’ is a reworked track that Mani S had previously written and produced with Jocelyn Brown for YOYOHONEY – an electro-soul group he formed with singer Anita Jarrett. Known for her cult classics like, ‘Someone Else’s Guy’ and ‘Always There’, with British acid jazz group Incognito, Jocelyn Brown’s infamous powerhouse vocals inspired Mani S to drop a remix. Drawing from the raw energy of the Chicago House movement, ‘Desire’ now pulses a seriously deep gutsy groove with an infectious electronica edge. “Her timeless vocals and energy got me really excited and I decided to redo and produced it on a different vibe for Merittocracy,” says Mani S.

A songwriter, producer and bass guitarist, Mani S, started is musical journey at the age of just 14, playing at countless shows and was fortunate to work with some of the industry greats such as Bootsy Collins, DJ Pierre, Tony Humphries, and Steely & Cleevie.

Main S’ love for dub, hip-hop and soul led him to form YOYOHONEY, a UK soul project which blends elements of electronica, techno and ambient sounds. Along with Anita Jarrett, Mani S released soulful/acid jazz-tinged singles, ‘Groove On’ in 1991 and ‘Voodoo Soul’ in 1992.

Mani S’ other biggest love is house music, particularly of the deep cut kind; a genre that was with him from the start of his journey. He formed Merittocracy in 2024 to push house and electronic sounds to the forefront – and give them the full attention it deserves. Along with pushing out genres he loves – and not churning out hits for streams and views – Mani S is extremely passionate about music development and has helped shape the creative direction of emerging acts.

Merittocracy’s new single ‘Desire’, featuring the great Jocelyn Brown, drops 26th September via Black Sugar Music.

Connect Merittocracy via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/merittocracy

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Electronic trio under:tones enter a bold new chapter with single, ‘Dreaming (Wide Awake)’

International electronic trio under:tones open a bold new chapter in their musical journey with their debut album ‘Encounters’, arriving March 2026. Their first single, ‘Dreaming (Wide Awake)’, marks the inaugural release on Through ‘Dreaming (Wide Awake)’, a freshly launched label dedicated to forward-thinking, emotionally rich electronic music. This milestone not only sets the tone for under:tones’ evolution but also celebrates the birth of a new creative platform bridging cultures, genres, and generations.

Blending cinematic textures, euphoric rhythms, and soul-stirring vocals, ‘Dreaming (Wide Awake)’ marks a defining moment for under:tones, a project that moves seamlessly between dancefloor energy and introspective atmospheres. Written and recorded between California, the UK, and Italy, the track embodies the group’s signature sound — analog warmth meets digital precision, driven by emotion and storytelling.

Sun-soaked and dream-drenched, the song feels like a golden hour reverie. Reeves’ airy vocals float over lush synth layers and a pulsing beat that pulls you in before you realise you’re moving. There’s a bittersweet nostalgia in its tone — a longing for a past summer, a rush of first love — yet a hopeful, life-affirming energy runs through every note.

The music video, directed by Cristina Principe, is set in Los Angeles and brings this feeling to life through the eyes of Zeno, a 14-year-old navigating adolescence under the constant surveillance of social algorithms that track his every move, thought, and mood. The film captures fleeting moments of escape; wired headphones, laughter with friends, surrendering to music, reminding us that real connection and freedom still exist beyond screens and systems. Shot with a cinematic lens, the visual feels like a coming-of-age short film, perfectly matching the track’s dreamlike yet uplifting atmosphere.

They share; “For us, ‘Dreaming (Wide Awake)’ is that golden-hour moment when life feels too vivid to be real – when you stop imagining and start living your own story. It’s about clarity, love, and the thrill of catching up with your dreams.”

Through The Void Records was created as a home for projects that aims to become a hub to launch Italian artists internationally, as well as to introduce global talent to the Italian and European scenes. The release of ‘Dreaming (Wide Awake)’ serves as the label’s official launch, setting its ethos: music that moves both the body and the heart, bridging underground club culture with timeless songwriting.

Following their debut EP, under:tones step boldly into a new era with ‘Dreaming (Wide Awake)’ — with a full-length album envisioned as a series of sonic short films exploring connections across cultures, emotions, and generations. With Neri’s pioneering house legacy, Zarcone’s hybrid instrumentation, and Reeves’ soulful touch, the trio is redefining electronic music as an immersive experience for both body and mind.

’Dreaming (Wide Awake)’ by under:tones is out now via all leading streaming platforms. Why not check out the video for the summery cut below…

Connect with under:tones via
IG: https://www.instagram.com/undertones.music/

Source: Liberty Music

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OUT TODAY: Get ‘Addicted’ to producer Obsidian Cane & singer Gizella’s New Single.

Named “Drum N Bass Rebels With A Cause” by EDM Magazine, producer OBSIDIAN CANE and singer GIZELLA return to bring serious heat to the summer with their third collaborative single, ‘Addicted’ — out today, 30th July across all major music platforms.

With over 20 years of combined experience in the underground music scene, the duo proves they’re not here to follow the rules — they’re here to break them. Born from the dynamic contrast of their musical backgrounds, Obsidian Cane and Gizella continue to champion their love for Drum N Bass, carving out a fresh, genre-defying sound that is unapologetically unique and unmistakably their own.

A prolific producer with a standout resume, Obsidian Cane has crafted music for artists signed to Warner Bros, EMI, Parlophone, and worked with major UK broadcasters including Channel 4, BBC One, and BBC Two. He also made waves in the UK Garage scene with the club hit ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as one half of the duo KP. With ‘Addicted’, Cane delivers a smooth fusion of Drum N Bass and Jungle, layered with delicate, Far Eastern-inspired melodies and a subtle yet infectious groove.

Gizella – the underground scene’s “vocal chameleon” – is known for seamlessly crossing genres with her spellbinding delivery. Since her 1998 vinyl debut ‘Express Yourself’ on Gotcha! Records, she’s lent her signature voice to Hip Hop, EDM, Dubstep, and DnB, collaborating with artists like Korostyle, Juleunique, Mizimo, Experimental Feelings, and Ronny Becher. On ‘Addicted’, she effortlessly captures the emotions of a hopeless romantic, with her vocals playfully weaving through the summery rhythm with undeniable charm.

This latest release follows the duo’s well-received singles ‘Never Change’ and ‘Crazy World’ — both praised across the music press. EDM Magazine, Playy Magazine, and EDM All Day highlighted Obsidian Cane’s standout production, while A&R Factory drew comparisons between Gizella’s vocals and the iconic Björk on ‘Never Change’.

With ‘Addicted’, Obsidian Cane and Gizella continue to prove why they’re one of the most exciting DnB acts breaking boundaries today.

Get ready to be Addicted — out today, 30th July via all leading digital platforms.

Connect with Obsidian Cane via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/obsidiancane/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3DlRjlx1Rw5oiBGIoJ04d1
Bandcamp: https://obsidiancane.bandcamp.com/music

Connect with Gizella via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/gizellavox
IG: https://www.instagram.com/gizella_vox
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4gxp14AugeUcwYKJeAa9g2
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/gizella
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GizellasMusic

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OUT TODAY: Remy Nova takes us on a trippy ride with single ‘Oh Deed (On Gummy Weed)’

Inspired by a harrowing personal experience, REMY NOVA‘s single, ‘Oh Deed (On Gummy Weed)’ – out today (25th July) across all good music platforms – documents the moment when an edible experimentation goes left field – and I mean really left field!

After giving up Xanax to manage anxiety, Remy (aka acclaimed songwriter/composer Jeremy Little), decided to trial some cannabis gummies before a rehearsal with a musical hero in Los Angeles. The euphoric sensation from popping the gummies quickly resulted in a very draaaaawwwwn ooooouuuuut journey home via a Uber ride, which was further exacerbated by several attempts to enter his apartment.

To capture the eventful experience, Remy blended blurry synths with echoic soulful hooks – imagine being in a very small room with Frank Ocean, Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz and Tame Impala all performing, creating a harmonious discord. Remy penned a touch of existential humour to the sonic soundscape to guide us to the point where reality swirls into surrealism. The track’s hypnotic vibe reflects Remy’s own intentions behind the music. “I would love for the audience to go on a journey with me—deep, deep down into the inner chambers of the mind,” he says. “I want them to feel like they’re flying through the ether untethered by physical laws.”

‘Oh Deed (On Gummy Weed)’ is out today, 25th July, from various music platforms. So why not lose yourself and go on a cosmic trip…

Connect with Remy Nova via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/remynovamusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RemyNova-m5u
Website: https://www.jeremylittlemusic.com/

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Raphael Tate Returns with singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from brand new album – OUT TODAY

After a short hiatus away from the scene, RAPHAEL TATE returns with his honest work to date, which forms album ‘All Of Me’ out today, Friday 6th June across various music platforms via his label, Tate Love Music LTD.

The album reflects his raw and honest journey, searching for love in a world that often forgets how to give it. Through his journey, he’s been it through it all – the highs and lows; the good, the bad, the heartbreaks, the hope, the vulnerability, the doubt, the despair and having the courage to talk away from a failed relationship. Despite the rocky period of his life, Raphael still believes he will find that true connection.

From the ten-track project, Raphael shares ‘Is This Love’ and ‘All Of Me’. Produced by Multi-Grammy Award winning artist Jazzwad, ‘Is This Love’ delves into the realms of classic roots reggae with Raphael questioning whether real genuine love exists, through his infamous robustly soulful performance. Raphael ends the album with a cover of John Legend’s hit, ‘All Of Me’. The stripped-back production allows Raphael to wear his heart on his sleeve and bear all, inviting his fans and prospective listeners into his world, his journey and his truth. His breathtaking version of ‘All Of Me’ received a seal of approval from John Legend himself.

The album also includes previously released singles, the Reprezent approved ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Same Energy’ and the critically acclaimed ‘A Fool In Love’, which received a firm seal of approval from BBC1xtra’s Seani B and BBC London’s Lionheart. Paying homage to Aswad’s single ‘Bammie Blow’ from their album, ‘New Chapter Of Dub’, ‘A Fool In Love’ was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Jermaine Forde, the son of Aswad’s Brinsley Forde. 

Born in Washington DC, USA now residing Derbyshire UK, Raphael Tate has been steadily climbing up the ranks in the UK music since his 2020 single, ’A Fool In Love’. His subsequent releases, received attention from UK national stations and way beyond, including BBC1 BBC1xtra, BBC London, BBC Leicester, BBC Stoke, BBC West Midlands, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM, SoulCityTheBeat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more. ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ – an tribute to his late mother – was featured twice on Reprezent radio, while ‘Blessed’ was named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.

Raphael Tate broadened his horizon and took to the stage of ITV’s Starstruck back in 2023, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford.

More recently, Raphael has circulated venues across the UK with his compelling live performances. A resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey in 2024 at The Robin in Wolverhampton. He also opened for legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Camden’s iconic venue Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their 2024 UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will once again open for Black Uhuru on their 2025 UK & European tour at London’s venues, Jazz Cafe on 30th June and Fox and Kirkin on 1st July.

Now Raphael Tate is getting ready to share singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from his new album. With today’s society marred with so much division, due to cultural/region differences, so-called gender wars and unhealed traumas, Raphael gives a reminder, through his latest offering, that we can still choose connection over conflict. Through bearing his soul to the world, he hopes to encourage others to do the same.

‘All Of Me’ album is out today, 6th June, across various music platforms.

Connect with Raphael Tate via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
X: https://x.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raphaeltate3

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