Song of the Day: P.L.L – Karen Nyame KG

One year on from her acclaimed 2022 heater ‘Taboo’ and 2021’s sun-soaked Sensei II EP, ‘Goddess of Rhythm’ KAREN NYAME KG shares single, ‘P.L.L’ (Pretty Little Liar) with the announcement of her new imprint, Rhythm In The City.

A lush and luxurious slice of deep Afro-house, drawing on her experiences with the darker side of romance, KG describes the track as, “a diary entry in music format”. Unafraid to dive deep with soul-baring productions, in her own words, ‘P.L.L’ is darker in mood, an electronic, low-end, Afro Percussive bounce. It is a tale of heartbreak, jealousy and unrequited love.”

Self-described as “a party for the grown and sexy”, Rhythm in the City began life as an event, carefully curated by Karen herself. Developing into a sell-out event series, the strong community around RITC is a testament to Karen’s bold creative vision and her much sought-after sonics. The evolution of the platform into a label, (Rhythm in the City / RITC Records), was a no-brainer – the label sonically is a reflection of Karen Nyame KG and the parties – it’s all about soul, percussive bounce, mood and melody. In her own words,”it will make you dance, seduce, but better yet, feel.”

Karen adds, “RITC is an extension of my own production signature that embodies a multitude of styles, UK Funky, Altè r&b, Afro Altè, Gqom, Amapiano, Highlife, Afro House. The RITC sound is unconventionally rhythmic, a hub for genre-bending, Afro-Electronic music. The label is all about breaking conventions and formulas in electronic dance music.” Due for release on her own imprint, the anticipated Red EP is a sentimental, candid insight to KG’s deepest musings on romance, passion and lust.

Returning in 2018 after a break from the music industry, KG has been in the scene for over a decade and has become an iconic name. Adored globally across diasporic and electronic spheres she stands out from the crowd with her sensual, melodic sonics, and penchant for groove-laden sounds that sit at the intersection of UK club music and the sounds of African diaspora.

2022 saw Karen mark the end of summer with her sizzling single ‘Taboo’, tipped by COMPLEX, DJ Mag and The Wire in their best tracks for 2022. This year, she flexed her A&R hands, enlisting the mighty Afrotech pioneer DJ IC, and Batido maestro, Vanyfox to create two huge remixes for ‘Taboo’.

In 2021, Karen stunned faithful followers and new fans alike with the glorious EP Sensei II (Black Acre Records), featuring the widely-celebrated sound of the summer, ‘Koko’ (reaching over 2 million streams) and with support from Resident Advisor, Mixmag, DJ Mag, Pan African Music and more, Sensei II truly reignited the flame for her. Truly dedicated to her craft, Karen Nyame KG continues to reach new heights as her creative and personal evolution continues.

‘P.L.L’ is the first offering from her forthcoming EP, Red, and marks another step in the British-Ghanaian polymath’s journey. Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: Love Lies – Julissa Brandi

JULISSA BRANDI, an emerging talent in the realm of R&B and pop music, is thrilled to announce the release of her debut single, ‘Love Lies,’ her first project with new label Livestarr Music Group. This captivating track, which marries her powerful and hypnotic voice with timeless R&B sounds, serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of love in one’s life, reminiscent of the soulful classics of the mid-’90s.

“‘Love Lies’ is a labor of love that I’ve poured my heart and soul into,” Julissa Brandi excitedly shared about her debut single. “It’s a song that speaks to both the good and bad that love can bring into our lives. I hope my music connects with listeners on a personal level and brings them the same joy it has brought me.”

Hailing from the heart of South Carolina, Julissa Brandi currently splits her time between South and North Carolina. With a passion for music that has been ingrained in her since she was just five years old, she boasts a multifaceted musical talent that extends beyond her enchanting vocals. Alongside her ability to sing like an angel, Julissa is also a proficient pianist and guitarist. Her journey through the world of music began in church and school choirs during her formative years, and she has received training in classical, theatrical, and operatic styles.

Julissa Brandi‘s unique blend of R&B and pop, coupled with her striking charisma, has been met with swift acclaim from audiences and industry professionals alike. ‘Love Lies’ is just the first in a series of releases that promise to showcase her boundless potential and artistic depth.

A dedicated new fan had this to say about Love Lies’ in a five-star review, “Julissa’s voice is truly a gift to the music world. ‘Love Lies’ is a mesmerizing blend of soulful lyrics and unforgettable music. It’s a song that speaks to the depths of the heart.” Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: Butter – Vessna Scheff

Beginning her artist career in San Francisco, VANESSA SCHEFF began playing ukulele after acquiring one from a thrift store for $14. Inspired by personal stories of growth and interpersonal relationships, she began writing intimate music and playing live throughout the San Francisco Bay Area at venues such as the Bazaar Cafe, The Fillmore, The Hotel Utah, and The Lost Church. In 2014, she began experimenting with visual art, utilizing projections in her musical performances and collaborating with dancers and poets in interdisciplinary performance.

In 2015, Scheff moved to the East Coast where she met and began collaborating with Lee Clarke, a Philadelphia based music producer. While in Philadelphia, she performed at venues, galleries and museums such as Johnny Brenda’s, World Cafe Live, Boot & Saddle, Urban Art Gallery, The Barnes Museum, The Affordable Art Fair, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. In spring of 2022, she graduated with an MFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design, and is currently writing and recording her debut album titled ‘Nevermind the Moon,’ inspired by Adult Skate Nights pairing 80’s beats with 90’s R&B vocal melodies in a celebratory call for intimate connection.

Her single off this forthcoming album, ‘BUTTER’, possesses mesmerizing vocal harmonies, shimmering 90’s to early 2000’s synths, and an 80’s club backbeat, which drops you right into the feeling of swooning when you see your crush under the disco ball at the roller rink.

“This song is inspired by a desire to feel playful, fun, sexy, and confident while navigating being a caregiver during the pandemic. I wrote ‘BUTTER’ inspired by Adult Skate Night (unofficially known as Black skate night at rinks throughout the U.S.) as a dreamscape of the freedom found on the rink” Vessna says.

Together with her collaborator Lee Clarke, Scheff builds an electrifying current glistening with the anticipation and rush of pushing off the rink wall, and gliding into your confidence. Have a listen to ‘BUTTER’ below…

Song of the Day: Fiji – Robbi Niles

ROBBI NILES‘ latest single, ‘Fiji’ marks another milestone in Nile’s impressive career, showcasing his versatility as a musician and his unique blend of musical influences.

Born on the tropical paradise island of Barbados, Robbi Niles embarked on his musical journey at a young age, playing the Tenor Steel Pan when he was just three years old. Over the years, he has explored various musical instruments, including the saxophone, piano, drums, and guitar.

A talented guitarist, composer, lyricist, and producer, Niles made his debut in the music scene at the age of sixteen with his first single, ‘Wonder.’ This song quickly gained recognition in the Adult Contemporary world and charted on the ACQB Top 200. Since then, Niles has continued to hone his craft, building an impressive catalog that effortlessly fuses R&B, pop, hip-hop, alternative rock, reggae, and Soca – a testament to his Caribbean roots and diverse musical influences.

Robbi Niles has not gone unnoticed by the music industry, with notable features in publications like Notion, FLEX, Clout, Purple Melon, Volatile Weekly, and many others. To date, his music has garnered over 1,350,000 streams and views, thanks in part to his distinctive visuals and infectious hooks.

His journey to find his unique sound has taken Niles across the globe, from the vibrant music scenes of LA to the bustling metropolises of London and Toronto. Along the way, he has shared stories of life’s triumphs and disappointments, always delivering a message of hope through his music.

In his own words, Niles speaks of the deeply personal and emotional journey that led to his latest release, ‘Fiji.’ The track is a testament to his resilience and ability to channel his emotions into music, allowing listeners to connect with his experiences on a profound level. As Niles continues to evolve as an artist, ‘Fiji’ promises to be another stepping stone in his remarkable journey. With its fusion of genres and heartfelt storytelling, this single invites listeners to immerse themselves in the world of Robbi Niles, where music serves as both therapy and connection.

Robbi Niles invites fans, old and new, to embark on this musical journey with him as he continues to explore the depths of his artistry. Have a listen to ‘Fiji’ below…

Song of the Day: Bibliography – Pete “Phatdaddy” Rudd

Noted for his for his lock it in the pocket style of playing drums, making the most-sampled drummer in hip-hop today, multi-instrumentalist PETE “Phatdaddy” RUDD is also one of the most celebrated and sought after musicians amongst some of the music greats in soul and jazz. He has performed and toured with the likes of Patti Labelle, Kool and the Gang, Chaka Kahn, Miles Davis, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Pointer Sisters, Barry White, Donna Summers, plus so many others.

After rubbing shoulders with numerous prominent figures in music, Pete has decided to step out into his own lane to create his debut album titled ‘New Thing’, released in March 2023. Written, arranged and produced by the man himself, ‘New Thing’ represents the different styles and expressions of music that he has performed throughout his career, which spans over five decades.

Taken from the album, Pete presents his single, ‘Bibliography’. The title of the single perfectly reflects Pete’s long and varied music career as he intricately channels different elements to create a highly gleeful smooth jazz instrumental with heavenly topical tones, which immediately evoke a euphoric experience for the prospective listener.

‘Bibliography’ is available now across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

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