Tag: reviews

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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Stefanie Michaela has a message for naysayers on single, ‘Stay In Your Lane’.

Every once in a while, you have that someone who keeps buzzing in your ear, telling you what you should do with your life. You try to ignore the unwelcome advice, but it comes a time when enough is enough.

STEFANIE MICHAELA knows that feeling all too well. After steadily curating her musical journey, honing her craft at Idyllwild Arts Academy and the Boston Conservatory, the Los Angeles singer/songwriter pressed pause on her passion to raise her five children and felt constantly judged for her decision – but she wasn’t having any of it! That message is the inspiration behind her single, appropriately titled, ‘Stay In your Lane’.

Produced by multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Keith Thomas (Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Selena), ‘Stay In Your Lane’ may have an immediately addictive delicate soulful pop grooves, with a tinge of nineties R&B, but beyond the idyllic melodies Stefanie elegantly delivers a stern message for the naysayers: “Maybe if you’re happier in your own life, you could continue to stay in your lane.”

As Stefanie Michaela makes an impressive return to the music industry, there’s a strong sense that she’s not here just to churn out some catchy tunes. Her comeback strongly signifies that it’s never too late to reach out for your dreams and desires, perfectly positioning ‘Stay In Your Lane’ as the anthem of having unwavering perseverance and the courage to ignite that passion.

Now armed with her biggest fans – her children – It’s very safe to say that Stefanie Michaela is going full force with her renewed passion as she gears up to release her EP, ‘Turning Pages’ slated for release later this year.

‘Stay In Your Lane’ is now out for your pleasure across various music platforms. Why not press play on the empowering single below…

Connect with Stefanie Michaela via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555524656282
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniemichaelamusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanieMichaelaVEVO
Website: https://www.stefaniemichaela.com/

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Song of the Day: Bite Me! – Amity

Once in a while, you get a musician that instantly COMMANDS your full attention and 18 year old AMITY is that musician. The South-London artist turned to music as a coping mechanism during lockdown – and the very thing that saved him from the bloom of the pandemic made him an overnight sensation.

Making his debut at age of 15, Amity immediately caught the attention from the likes of The Guardian and the BBC. Accolades came in quick succession as the ASBO Magazine-tipped artist was named the Royal Albert Hall’s official Future Maker Artist in 2023 and became winner of an RBE Musical Excellence Award. A resident artist at Soho’s iconic Spice of Life, Amity had sold out shows across the UK in 2024, gracing stages at The Great Escape, Brighton Pride’s Fabuloso in the Park and, of course, The Royal Albert Hall.

The whirlwind acclaim didn’t happen by chance – Amity is a breath of fresh air in today’s materialistic music industry. He uses music to pose thought-provoking questions, shedding light on difficult subjects, including mental health, abuse and suicide. Being queer, autistic, and trans, Amity could be described as a singing advocate as he also speaks up for those communities.

Now Amity is preparing to launch his debut EP, set for release later in the year. He gives a taste of his highly-anticipated project with title track, ‘Bite Me!’, which challenges societal conventions. The stunning piano led ballad, which could be easily mistaken for one of Adele’s hit ballads, sees Amity giving the proverbial two fingers at dogmatic thinking from religious hypocrisy to the rise of demagogues and the aftermath of abuse. Personally ‘Bit Me!’ really struck a chord when Amity bellows out: ‘your hands around my neck feels like home’. This powerful statement cuts to the raw truth of the things we yearn for can be damaging. In revealing his truth in such statements, Amity hopes to heal and empower others through music – just how music empowered him during lockdown.

‘Bite Me!’ is out available across various music platforms. Why not have a listen….

Connect with Amity via:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amitysings/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/amity_sings/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@amity_sings
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/amitymiller
Website: https://amity.music/

 

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705 shares ‘Quarter Past 7ven: A vibrant EP blending western and West African influences

Rising music producer & artist 705 shares the release of his highly anticipated EP, ‘Quarter Past 7ven’, a dynamic Afro fusion project that seamlessly merges the rich sounds of West African music with contemporary Western influences. Featuring collaborations with talented artists CBlvck, Tradge, and Habeeb Samba, this EP is a celebration of cultural diversity, energy, and innovation.  

‘Quarter Past 7ven, is a bold exploration of rhythm and melody, offering listeners a fresh twist on Afrobeat, Afro-pop, and hip-hop. Each track is infused with vibrant percussion, infectious grooves, and soulful vocals, creating an electrifying listening experience that transcends borders. From the high-energy bangers to the introspective moments, the EP showcases 705’s versatility as a producer and their ability to craft a cohesive yet diverse body of work.  

‘Quarter Past 7ven’ is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through sound and culture. The title reflects the idea of being at a unique moment in time—a quarter past seven—symbolising a fresh perspective and a new direction in music. The EP is a testament to 705’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates with a global audience.

 “This EP is a love letter to my roots and the sounds that have shaped me as an artist. I wanted to create something that feels both familiar and entirely new, and I’m so grateful to have worked with incredible talents like CBlvck, Tradge, and Habeeb Samba to bring this vision to life.” – 705

‘Quarter Past 7ven’ is now out across various music platforms. Have a listen below:

Must listens: Vibe With Me, Flimtrick

Connect with 705 via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/705beats/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@705beats
X: https://x.com/705beats
Website: https://705beats.com/


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OUT TODAY: Gizella & Obsidian Cane share their love of music with track,‘Never Change’

Never Change was born out of the creativity and originality of devout music enthusiasts – singer GIZELLA and producer OBSIDIAN CANE. Boasting a fusion of their unique styles, which defies the traditional genres boundaries, ‘Never Change’ is out today (31st January) on various music platforms.

With their latest offering, it’s very clear that the pair are not just churning out music for the sake of it; instead they openly invite the listener to experience a piece of their artistry and vision. Obsidian Cane introduces a mellow drive of Drum n Bass, In ‘Never Change’ laying the perfect foundation to allow the prospective listeners to be compelled by the vulnerability of Gizella’s 3-octave vocal range.

‘Never Change’ may be an unlikely union on paper, as one may immediately think a vocal range suited in a classical setting has no place in the rave scene. However in reality, the two musical styles create a euphoric experience – a contrasting sound that’s unmistakably and unapologetically theirs.

Debuting on P.I.M.P Records in 1998 with the vinyl release of ‘Express Yourself,’ Gizella made a name for herself in the UK Underground Garage dance scene. Evolving as a versatile vocalist & singer-songwriter performing across a wide spectrum of genres – including Hip Hop, EDM, Drum n Bass, and Dubstep – Gizella has gained a well-earned reputation as a vocal chameleon and storyteller and has collaborated with various artists including Korostyle, Juleunique, Mizimo, Experimental Feelings and Ronny Becher.

Hailing from London, Obsidian Cane has produced music for artists signed to Warner Bros, EMI and Parlophone as well as producing music for TV shows on Channel 4, BBC1 and BBC2. He scored a club hit, ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as UKG duo KP and currently performs live with KP featuring Ferraz at events such as 51st state Festival, House of Silk. A Music Technology Graduate, Obsidian Cane bravely fuses R&B, Funk & Hip-Hop elements with electronic rhythms to create distinctive UK Garage, R&B/Hip Hop & Drum and Bass songs.

Their union is nothing short of a miracle: after producing music for 20 years, Obsidian Cane decided to quit. However, he made a return to the industry eight years ago, when the digital age gave musicians the opportunity to be fully independent. On a search for a female vocalist, he asked an old school friend, who told him about a singer who rides a bike every morning, singing angelically. Contact details were exchanged through the friend and the rest was history. It turns out the singer riding on the bike every morning was Gizella and the singing was her vocal exercise!    

Now the pair unveil their new single ‘Never Change’ which gives a glimpse into their new-found collaboration that challenges the prospective listener’s musical horizon. ‘Never Change’ is out today, 31st January.

Why not start your weekend right and listen below…

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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