Song of the Day: Postcards – Frex

LA-based alt-R&B trailblazer FREX returns with her latest single ‘Postcards’, released via Island Records. Textured, intimate and self-reflective; ‘Postcards’ is a delicate diary entry that sees her reminiscing over a fading relationship while deciding whether to move on and give up hope on it ever getting better.

Speaking on the single, frex said: “I wanted to keep being vulnerable during my process. Before you decide to move on, you’re deciding whether or not to give up all hope. Even though it’s a bad situation, you’re reminiscing.”

Known for her unique melodies and candid storytelling, frex is an artist to watch that is carving her own path and putting human connection at the forefront of her genre-blending artistry. Pulling inspiration from R&B, pop, jazz, classic rock, and more, frex uses her music to process her feelings and experiences, and push boundaries with the hope that her artistry helps others embrace their own vulnerability and overcome what they’re going through. Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania and now residing in LA, the rising talent is ready to bring her sound to a global stage.

The new single arrives on the heels of ‘Hoodie Back,’ an unbothered vibe that flips the script on the classic story of someone keeping a memento following the end of a relationship. Speaking to frex’s unique perspective on love and allowing yourself to be broken-hearted but not a victim with lyrics that cut deep, ‘Hoodie Back’ received acclaim from Billboard (calling her their “freshest find”), UPROXX, and more. The song followed frex’s breakthrough, viral hit ‘Oxford Circus’ – which debuted in the Spotify Viral 50 upon release and has racked up over 17 million streams on Spotify alone – and recent single ‘Forever Thing,’ a dreamy, breathy confession whose synths murmur through a glitchy beat which heralded her new chapter.

frex is fresh from supporting Alina Baraz on her US tour this Autumn and made her UK live debut this summer performing at All Points East Festival and a headline show at London’s ‘Folklore’, with support from the likes of Spotify, Billboard, Wordplay Magazine and more – stay tuned for more from this bubbling talent. but for now, listen to ‘Postcards’…

R&B Soultress Tai Mistyque unveils new EP, ‘Head Over Heart’

Rising singer-songwriter TAI MISTYQUE has unveiled her brand new album, ‘Head Over Heart,’ a powerful and emotive collection of songs that highlight the profound process of growing up and seeing the world through the lens of emotional sensitivity.

‘Head Over Heart’ presents a heartfelt narrative of Tai’s personal journey, a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that challenged everything she knew of the world. The album not only delves into the impact of heartbreak but also explores the complexities of why cherished friendships may fall apart.

Through her music, Tai Mistyque invites listeners to shed their rose-colored glasses and confront the world with love, as it truly is. The album encourages the mind and heart to work in harmony, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of life. The music and lyrics explore the essence of vulnerability, the significance of establishing boundaries, and the beauty of personal epiphanies that can shape one’s journey.

This album speaks directly to a specific audience: young women who are in the process of discovering their self-worth. Serving as a handbook for life, ‘Head Over Heart’ provides invaluable insights into the trials and tribulations that women may face as they navigate the world. Tai steps into a “big sis” role, offering guidance and reassurance. ‘Head Over Heart’ captures that pivotal moment in life when individuals learn to collaborate with their hearts while wearing the armor of self-protection. It underscores the possibility of finding happiness, maintaining loving relationships, and safeguarding oneself in a world that can be both beautiful and challenging.

‘Head Over Heart’ addresses the trigger words “naive” and “gullible” while celebrating the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. It is Mistyque’s hope that her audience walks away from this project feeling “deeply understood.”

Must Listens: Go Crazy

Watch Lilith Merlot’s video for single, ‘Easier To Fight’

Singer-songwriter LILITH MERLOT shares the live music video for her single ‘Easier To Fight’. The single is taken from her EP, Shades Of Blue, out now.

‘Easier To Fight’, as a song, is timeless and heartfelt. Merlot’s vocals are encapsulating and soulful, oozing an incredible emotion over the subtle instrumental of Wurlitzer keys and cello. Topically exploring the themes we all feel when stuck in a relationship, it’s an emotionally charged ballad with an incredible message.

The music video is no different. With the audio being a completely fresh and live rendition of the track, it features Merlot shimmering atop an imposing man-made structure as she delivers her sublime vocals with a raw yet gentle delivery befitting of the video and the song. It is slow paced, with incredible panning and shots, putting Merlot at the forefront while the Wurlitzer and cello are performed live alongside her. With the sky bursting with colorful hues amidst a glistening crescent moon in the background, the cinematography is nothing short of epic, a perfect fit for an anthemic love ballad.

Known for her timeless voice, Dutch singer and songwriter Lilith Merlot has been enchanted by harmony and melody from a young age. During her Jazz vocals studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory, Lilith performed in front of American singer Renée Neufville (known for her work with Roy Hargrove, RH Factor), who remarked: “Your voice is just like a Merlot; it’s so warm, deep, and round”. This inspired Lilith to use Merlot as her stage name. Since releasing her debut EP in 2017, Lilith has been experimenting with various genres, from Jazz to Pop and Soul, influenced by Lizz Wright, Jeff Buckley, and Norah Jones, to name a few, creating music reminiscent of Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, and Madeleine Peyroux.

With nearly 5 million streams across platforms and support from tastemakers METAL Magazine, her music has aired across a number of stations under the established Netherlands public broadcaster NPO, earning spins on NPO Soul & Jazz, where she has previously featured as a guest speaker, and NPO 3FM Radio. In the past, she has performed live on the Roodshow on NPO Radio 2, NPO Radio 5, NPO Radio 1. Not to mention airing on Sublime FM. While on Spotify, her music has landed on the editorial playlist Sad Covers.

Watch for video for ‘Easier To Fight’ below…

Alex Luke releases track DNA + video ahead of EP

Manchester’s soulful ALEX LUKE delves deep into personal battles in his latest release ‘DNA’, blending intricate rap flows and soulful melodies.

Alex Luke spills his heart about the estranged relationship with his father, in this introspective and soulful hip-hop triumph. Featuring an emotionally powerful chorus, sung by Hayley Brown, the self produced track is a testament to Luke’s authenticity and versatility as an artist. From the live drums placed deep in the pocket, to the self recorded brass arrangements, Alex Luke has ingrained the purest reflection of himself into ‘DNA’.

In the accompanying emotional performance video shot by Sophia J Carey (Loyle Carner, Little Simz), Luke captures the raw emotion of the track, through painting lyrical references onto canvas, giving a poignant glimpse into the turbulent narrative of ‘DNA’.

Alex Luke’s self-produced EP ‘Star Projector’ lands November 17th, setting the stage for a thrilling headline show on March 29th 2024 (with support from Dámì Sule), at Manchester’s iconic Deaf Institute

Check out the video for ‘DNA’ below…

Soulstress Bea Anderson bares all in new EP, ‘The Classroom Of Silence’

BEA ANDERSON’s forthcoming EP, ‘The Classroom of Silence’ is a glance into the personal growth and wisdom that she has gained from times of introspection on her journey of self-love and acceptance. Bea has processed personal trauma from heartache to flexing her growth as she finds love in the aftermath of adversity.

Lead track ‘Goodbye’ delves deeper into the idea of what true love should mean, Bea guides goes on a path of transformation and healing with her mesmerising R&B flavour and masterful storytelling. She knows that true evolution can only be achieved by facing one’s spirit, and true freedom comes from learning to coexist without depending on love from others.

Bea Shares – “This project signifies 6 lessons I learned in the classroom of silence. The name is derived from the life-changing book ‘The Rhythm of Life’ by Matthew Kelly. The concept explores the notion that true knowing of identity occurs when nothing else is occurring – also known as in the midst of silence. Each song depicts a different life lesson and ultimately the influential turning points in the development of my identity. The project explores the themes of healing, love and transformation.”

Produced by Jarom S’ua (Timbaland, Drake) and written by Bea, ‘Classroom of Silence’ explores the complexities of love, life and balance. Opening track ‘Inner Child’ is a heartwarming addition to the EP, as we hear ‘little Bea’ reflect on all of her learnings, delivering words of praise to the woman she’s become, gracefully setting the tone for the following tracks.

Previously released ‘Pieces’, ‘Picture Perfect’, and ‘Astronomical’ ft. Jords allows us a glimpse into Bea’s relationships from heartbroken to captivated. The narrative flow Bea creates on her journey of growth and transformation as she displays her storytelling prowess through her soulful lyrics and masterful songwriting, over the years she has captured the attention of major DSPs and publications – BBC Radio 1Xtra (track of the week and C-List), Spotify (New Music Friday, Fresh Finds) and backing from Notion, Apple Music (New Music Daily, New in R&B, Breaking R&B), HUNGER and most recently COMPLEX, CLASH & COLORS.

Listen to Bea’s ‘The Classroom of Silence’ EP below…

Must Listens: Pieces, Mirror Mirror, Goodbye (pt. Two)