New Music Video: I Woke Up – Fazer

Having recently laid his soul bare in a very honest interview with Not For The Radio, FAZER continues to lay his ghosts to rest as he ditches the pop and gets right back to his roots with new single, ‘I Woke Up’.

The record makes for a welcomed return of the producer/rapper that sees him provides a sincere account of his time in the music industry and reconnect with the music that so clearly inspires him, allowing him to be the artist that his experience and growth has led him to be. Detailing the lows he has faced within his lengthy career, the self-produced beat draws on elements of trap, tinged with soulful strings, hi-hats and adlibs.

In a current climate that sees superstars rise from the underground and attention on the here and now, FAZER’s previous achievements may come as a surprise to some. As a platinum-selling artist/rapper, songwriter and producer, FAZER has been in the public eye for over 10 years, releasing three certified platinum studio albums and selling over 3.2 million albums in the UK. His production skills are unquestionable as he has worked with some of the worlds biggest stars and has previously helped to arrange the highly acclaimed Urban Classic’s BBC Proms at the world-renowned, Royal Albert Hall.

With a refreshing, feel-good vibe on a reminiscent record that oozes growth, FAZER is set to ‘wake up’ the scene once again.

Watch the video for ‘I Woke Up.’

New Music Video: Masterpiece – Cilla Raie

Hailing from North London, singer/songwriter CILLA RAIE, has released her first music video for ‘Masterpiece’ produced by Joey Dyer (Iggy Azalea – Fancy, Katy B, Conor Maynard) with guest backing vocals from Ryan De La Cruz. Taken from her self-titled debut EP, ‘Masterpiece’ has racked up over 20,000 plays on SoundCloud since its release.

Directed by Daniel ‘Musical D’ Smith (Dizzee Rascal, Footsie, D Double E), the four-minute production reflects the concept of emotional vulnerability and passion experienced during a relationship, with the use of close-up shots and glitching transitions to give an emotive vibe to the audience.

Taking inspiration from the likes of Aaliyah, Brandy and Toni Braxton, the 23-year-old began recording music at just 14-years-old, with grime producer DaVinche, being one of her key mentors during the early stages of her musical journey. Combining her love of for R&B and pop music, Cilla delivers heartfelt lyrics with a sultry soft tone across this project.

This year will see the release of the songstress’ second EP, a body of work paying homage to growing pains as a young adult, whilst she embarks on a 2017 School Tour with UK Music delivering music workshops to students across the UK.

This is too good to pass up – watch the video to ‘Masterpiece’.

Album Review: Fairytale Land – Pedro Syrah

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Featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC back in September, PEDRO SYRAH‘s delicately warm effort, ‘Summer Night on Fairytale Land’ is the built up to his long-awaited debut album, ‘Fairyland’… and as much as I enjoyed the single – because it does spark a soul-glowing sensation – I wondered if I could survive ten tracks of the same tempo….

…Well I stand corrected, as from the very beginning, the bass guitar and drums receive a good workout in the introductory track, creating that real gritty funk. Soothing ambient soundscapes with, at times, feather light elements of Americana/new-wave follow through to the first half of the album, completed with tingling harmonies providing a real magical and folklore kick.

The second half of ‘Fairyland’ becomes progressively emotive and intense when Syrah takes to the limelight with put his vocals to almost stripped-back pieces – a combination that will smooth over manic traffic in an instant.

This collection is worth investing in for those quiet spring/summer nights…here’s your chance to have a listen.

Must Listens: Cocaine and Cigarettes, Paper Thoughts, Release the Clocks.

 

 

New Track: They Don’t Know – Big Narstie (ft. Xaviour)

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Making a significant entrance to 2017, BIG NARSTIE releases the first single from his forthcoming album in the shape of ‘They Don’t Know’ featuring Xaviour. Delving into a side of BIG NARSTIE that is often overlooked due to his fun-loving and comical character, the record illustrates the story behind the Brixton emcee and demonstrates his lyrical prowess as a talented wordsmith.

2016 proved to be an impressive year for BIG NARSTIE, which saw him top the charts alongside Craig David on the Top 10 record ‘When The Bassline Drops’ and later went on to be certified gold. The scene veteran also performed at a number of the world’s most famed festivals including Ibiza Rocks, Wireless, Reading & Leeds and even made an appearance on the Jonathan Ross show. He went on to release his own Bass Invaders app and single ‘BDL Skank’ and now prepares to release the fruits of his studio labours with some exciting and unexpected collaborations.

Giving us a reflective and intimate understanding of his journey and battles faced as he grew up, ‘They Don’t Know’ shines a spotlight on BIG NARSTIE allowing a very honest and bold figure to be displayed; one which seems almost opposite to the infectious laughs, hysterical sketches and the animated bars that we’ve seen of late. As he raps over the melancholy beat, Narstie’s lyrical aptitude is evident and proves why he is not only one of the most loved, but also one of the most respected and key figures in the scene.

Taking 2017 to new heights, BIG NARSTIE has just announced a six date UK tour kicking off in XOYO in London 3rd May.

EP Review: Pagemaster – Scriptzrphrenic

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Coming from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, upcoming spitter SCRIPTZRPHRENIC laid on his cards on the table and poured his heart and soul into inviting you in a series of hard-knock events in his life through the latest six-set EP, ‘The Pagemaster’.

The introductory track provided the perfect build up to the infectiously dense bassline over the next couple of tracks, before entering the realms of laid-back, vintage hip-hop.

Our kid deserves a trial; check it out.

Must Listens: My Life, Daydreaming, Just A Rap