Song of the Day: On The Low Klay Cartier

Emerging US-born vocalist and songwriter KLAY CARTIER‘s latest single, ‘On The Low’ is soulful, sultry and gyrating, loaded with lyrical sauce, with Cartier flexing his vocal muscles over a simmering and dreamy R&B beat. His voice is crisp and velvety, with a strong yet delicate sonic undertone that surrounds the listener.

Exploring the topic of forbidden love, Klay Cartier refuses to hold back, candidly referencing a lover who may or may not belong to him and their romantic explorations, emboldening her to keep their relationship ’hush-hush’ as they go about their provocative adventures. His dazzling candor is felt in his raw and unapologetic delivery, as his soulful voice oozes an almost effortless timbre alongside his vivid and sensual storytelling. It harkens back to the old days of classic R&B, emitting a nostalgic fervor that is hard to beat.

The Midwestern artist has gained support from numerous tastemaker publications, including CLASH Magazine, NOTION Magazine, WordPlay Magazine, Music Crowns, CLOUT, and more. With an almost irresistible and soulful allure, Cartier is influenced by the likes of Drake, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder, creating music akin to artists such as Childish Gambino, Cimo Fränkel, and Frank Ocean.

‘On The Low’, is out now via Kult Klassic Studios. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: Tie Me Down – Burney

Rising swiftly through the ranks of the UK hip-hop scene, talented upcomer, BURNEY, is poised to once again capture the attention of audiences with single, ‘Tie Me Down’. This track masterfully melds resonant guitar melodies with the energetic flair of rap, creating a seamless fusion that exudes an enticing sensuality. Through this musical offering, Burney continues to chart his distinctive path in the world of music. From the very outset of the song, he fearlessly asserts his artistic identity, presenting a narrative that resonates universally—an exploration of a young man’s journey through the challenging waters of
commitment, a theme universally understood

Commenting on the tune, Burney said; “Tie me down is a guitar-infused UK rap song with a sexy edge. It tells the story of negotiating the commitment stage when you’re used to playing the field. This track is an interesting contradiction in the typical rapper shit of only caring about myself & being promiscuous, when really the idea of settling into something serious is just as exciting. Being terrified of intimacy but enjoying the benefits that come with it is a sticky situation for both parties involved, but it makes damn good music..”

Burney’s journey took an exciting turn in 2021 when his single “San Pellegrino” caught the attention of BBC Introducing The South, who hailed it as their track of the week. Notably, the track also garnered recognition from the renowned drinks company San Pellegrino itself, solidifying Burney’s growing reputation. After a hiatus, Burney returned to the scene with renewed creativity and a fresh perspective, evident in his recent singles ‘Crazy Enough’ and ‘Best Friends / Demons.’ These releases marked the inception of a series of captivating tracks for 2023, exploring themes of self-discovery and love amidst the aftermath of toxic relationships.

Hailing from the serene hills of Surrey, Burney is well-acquainted with pushing the boundaries of UK hip-hop. His distinctive style weaves smooth vocals with a captivating blend of neo-soul, rap, and dance influences, offering listeners an unparalleled sonic journey. Having graced prestigious stages like The Isle of Wight Festival and Brighton’s The Great Escape as part of the collective Dirtbag By Association, Burney has established himself as a solo artist. With the release of ‘Tie Me Down’ he elevates his artistry to new heights, showcasing his growth as an artist and delivering a fusion of storytelling and musical prowess. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: And I’m Gone – Leon Seti

Italian born, Amsterdam based LEON SETI is the creative brainchild of Leo Baldi. Producing and singing throughout his discography, the enigmatic artist shared his single ‘And I’m Gone’.

His nostalgic yet experimental electro-pop has been played by the BBC Introducing and featured on Billboard Italy. He’s also received support from CLASH, and his album COBALT reached #1 on the iTunes Electronic Chart in Italy, earning him comparisons to the likes of Björk, Peter Gabriel and The Pet Shop Boys. Seti’s second album was equally impressive, released to rave reviews it reached #1 on the iTunes Electronic Chart in Italy and the Netherlands, while simultaneously cementing itself in the iTunes Top 10 of general sales in both countries. In addition to this, Leon Seti has appeared at venues such as The O2 Academy Islington and The Spice of Life in London, historic clubs like Spin Time Labs in Rome and Il Cassero in Bologna and at festivals such as Mengo Fest and Pride in Amsterdam.

Inspired by the artists he watched as a kid on TV, Leon Seti has always lived and breathed music. Growing up in a small town in Italy, he started singing late in his teens, joining various rock bands before eventually gravitating to writing pop songs on his laptop. After completing high school, he moved to the UK where he completed a BA in philosophy while simultaneously trying to establish himself as an artist. Going on to achieve an MA in philosophy in London, he never lost sight of his true passion, working many jobs while still pursuing his love for music.

Grimoire is a stunning LP where Leon Seti’s voice takes center stage over deep and nostalgic electronic instrumentals produced by Pancratio. It’s a kaleidoscopic collection of Seti’s thoughts, dreams and desires, with love often at the forefront of the message. Reminiscent of artists such as BANKS, Bjork and Imogen Heap, each track is personal and introspective, abundantly rich in vocal harmonies and layers. There’s also a deep feeling of continuity between the songs, with each one standing out in its own enchanting way, while simultaneously retaining the same theme throughout. Using his voice as his main weapon, Seti wears his heart on his sleeve, inviting the listener to step into his world and resonate with his lyrics and emotive vocals.

Leon Seti’s depth and talent shines in ‘And I’m Gone’. It’s a track full of passion and intricacies, one where Seti’s voice is upfront and present, emitting a real warmth and essence that is easily felt. Instrumentally, it’s nostalgic, with a plethora of synthetic elements that hold the track together and keep the listener engaged in its rich sonic soundscape- from bubbling arpeggios to plush pads. However, the lyrics are the true star of the show, as Seti sings about self-discovery and escapism from a love that he knows isn’t right.

Leon Seti had this to say: “Grimoire” is an album I wrote about the healing of trauma. I wanted every song to feel like a spell in a magic book, where the pain feels so old it’s almost acting like a balm. ‘And I’m Gone’, specifically, is a song about wanting to escape from a place of dread and solitude, and even though I talk like I’ve already left, it was actually written while I was living in London and wanting to escape a toxic relationship.

Check out the video for ‘And I’m Gone’ below…

Song of the Day: True (Live) – Ryan Hylton

As part of Platoon’s new EP, ‘A UK Gospel Celebration,’ rising star RYAN HYLTON exclusively shares his single ‘True,’ a musical creation that delves deep into the human experience. The song’s powerful message resonates with the challenges individuals face when chasing success, compelling listeners to question their relationship with fame and materialistic desires.

Hailing from London, UK, Ryan Hylton made a dynamic entrance onto the music scene with the release of his EP, ‘Journey, in May 2020.’ These heartfelt songs deeply resonated with audiences, showcasing Ryan’s exceptional talent and conveying profound messages.

Later in 2020, Ryan Hylton unveiled his highly anticipated debut studio album, ‘Legacy.’ This remarkable album achieved notable success, reaching the 13th position on the UK Apple Charts for Gospel music. It was a testament to Ryan’s ability to connect with his listeners and deliver music that strikes a chord.
Influenced by renowned artists like Jonathan McReynolds, Justin Bieber, Tauren Wells, H.E.R., and homegrown talents Ernie Toppin and Nathan Palmer, Ryan has crafted his own unique musical style. He draws inspiration from their exceptional talent, infusing his songs with powerful messages of faith and hope.

‘True’ serves as a compelling invitation to navigate life’s journey and discover what genuinely matters. Drawing inspiration from the evolving sounds of Justin Bieber, Ryan infuses his music with a refreshing summer vibe, expertly blending funky grooves and infectious choruses. Through his captivating melodies, Ryan instils a sense of hope and embarks on a quest for personal truth and authenticity.
In the words of Ryan himself, “You’re my strength when life’s tough, my identity in you is worth more than fame.”

‘True’ weaves a fresh and crisp pop-woven vibe throughout, with Ryan’s melodies and lyricism providing a harmonious and relatable cause for his audience and beyond. His soft and luscious vocals provide the perfect platform for Ryan to shine, and he does so in spades in ‘True,’ further showcasing his talent and affirming his potential as one of the most influential Christian artists of our time.

Have a listen to Ryan’s stunning single below…

Song of the Day: Ghetto Love Story – D Double E

The trailblazing 2022 MOBO Award winner D DOUBLE E returns to the mic with his new solo single ‘Ghetto Love Story’. Produced by the phenomenal TenBillion Dreams, the track marks the start of a new sonic journey Double is set to take his fans on over the coming months. Leaning into his downtempo sensibilities, his clever and cheeky lyrics take us on a journey of love and lust over a dark, atmospheric instrumental lush with strings and thudding basslines.

Alongside release of the single, D Double E announces his biggest London headline show to date at KOKO on the 24th November. An incredibly special performance at one of the city’s most iconic venues, Double’s incomparable stage presence and crowd melting adlibs will be backed by the Steam Down.

As visually enticing as he is sonically, the video directed by Femi Oyeniran & Nicky Slim Ting Walker is set at a grand country home where the ghetto love story unfolds. A dapper Double and the main female character are seen in exquisite surroundings as Double unfolds his tale of the ups and downs of love. Check out the video below…