Song of the Day: Repose – Ray Alex (ft. Jayda David)

RAY ALEX‘s first single of the year, which features West London poet Jayda David, goes on a powerful journey of growth and departure from pain, touching on the importance of rest, recovery and time. ‘Repose’ is a multi-seasonal R&B number inspired by Q-Tip and contemporary jazz musicians Alfa Mist and Joe-Armon Jones, merging hip-hop with a psychedelic synth slickness and live drum feel.

‘Repose’ unveils how we invariably grow stronger with rest, recovery and restored self-belief after a painful episode in our life. Jayda David exposes themes of identity, appearance and health with powerful, raw lyrics that leave no space for ego or insincerity. Her lyrics: “I kneel to the weaknesses in me, strength has never felt so good, I guess power is birthed in moments of fragility” magnify one’s self-awareness and flaws in order to shed old skin and come back stronger. This universal theme is referenced again by Jayda David with “this soul knows where it’s going, steady growing, I just flow through time“. It serves as a reminder that we should not let others exercise control or influence over us; we should stick to our instinctive driving force and our individuality, feeling free in our own bodies. The lyric “light for hands I deem worthy, heavy for dark souls who yearn to hurt me” is a powerful encapsulation of this.

Prior to their studio session, Ray Alex felt drawn to Jayda David’s honest, poetic portraits of identity and mental health in the performances that she had showcased on her social media. Ray had finished the instrumental for ‘Repose’ six months prior to their studio session and held off as the lead vocalist, as he felt the music would lend itself better to another artist with a different story to tell.

Ray Alex’s previous EP ‘Good To Me’ released in March 2022 received frequent airplay on Soho Radio and Amazing Radio, to name a few, in a list with Little Simz, Children Of Zeus and more. Remixes of his song ‘Erased’ received airplay on KISS and other stations worldwide. Ray Alex has a string of singles scheduled for release in 2023…so look out for that…but for now, listen to ‘Repose’ below…

Song of the Day: Fashonova – H.O.M.A

Following his well-received 2022 project, ‘Compilation 2, emerging artist .H.O.M.A. shares yet another sensuous single, ‘Fashonova’, which sets the tone for his debut EP ‘North Star’.

Produced by American born, Grammy nominated producer Oren Yeol – the luxurious, log drum heavy, afro pop anthem displays H.O.M.A in a steamy encounter with his love interest. Expect more music on the way from this guys…but for now, have a listen to ‘Fashonova’ below…

Song of the Day: City Lights – DFlexXx

DFLExXx has started 2023 on a chilled vibe with ‘City Lights’, inspired by H.E.R’s hit ‘Slide’. A perfect addition to any summer playlist, the catchy chorus of this smooth RnB joint has been dominating the radio airwaves since its release late last month.

25-year-old Cardiff born Welsh rapper Darnell Ramone Williams (DFlexXx) has a unique, credible and commercial sound that is a blend of Hip Hop and Trap, predominantly rooted in the contemporary UK Rap scene. He developed his performing skills from the young age of six as part of dance troop, Jukebox Juniors, who achieved traction following their feature in a BBC Documentary and went on to appear in children’s TV shows & in films. After studying music at Bridgend College and ACM London, he discovered his natural talent for rapping and songwriting, and so decided to pursue the path of a professional rapper. Subsequently, he has released three other singles and promises a bright future in the music industry.

Well it’s time to check out DflexXx’s ‘City Lights’ below…

Song of the Day: Daydreaming – Dexter Moore

With so much uncertainty in the world today, American artist/keyboardist DEXTER MOORE’s latest single, ‘Daydreaming’ brings along hope and aspirations. The immediately uplifting smooth jazz instrumental invites us to let loose of all the woes and just enjoy life while we can!

“‘Daydreaming exemplifies how music can bring out the best in people – the ideas…the passion…the inspirations to always show your best light. Hopefully, I did my best to inspire my listeners with this jazzy, melodic and groovy track…Enjoy!” – Dexter Moore.

Born in Philadelphia, Dexter Moore grew up in a musical household – his father is an organist and his late mother was a pianist. With two brothers, who are both drummers, and his sister a singer, it came to no surprise that Dexter Moore started performing from the age of 11.

Like many promising musicians, Dexter Moore’s initial exposure was at his local church. Through his connections with fellow musicians, Dexter was introduced to Gabriel Hardeman at a jam session – his meeting with the acclaimed gospel singer/musician would significantly change his career…

To date, Dexter Moore has toured in Europe as well as throughout the USA and has been privileged to play behind some of the industry heavy-weights in both Gospel and secular music; including Yolanda Adams, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Vicki Winans, Hezekiah Walker, Norman Hutchins, Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Zahmu, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Miles Jaye and Teddy Pendergrass.

With over 30 years’ experience performing with other artists as a sideman and accompanist, Dexter Moore now wants to share his keyboard talents to the world as an artist.

‘Daydreaming’ is out now across various music platforms.

Connect with Dexter Moore via:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/dextermoorejazz/
T: https://twitter.com/RightSideLLC
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dextermoorejazz/?hl=en

Song of the Day: Insane – Tar Ráe

Kick starting 2023 with her brand-new sensual sizzler is British-Nigerian singer-songwriter TAR RÁE. Following on from the release of her debut single ‘See You’ back in 2021, the promising songstress has returned with an infectious drop titled, ‘Insane’.

Underpinned with an acoustic backdrop that accents both R&B and Afrobeat elements, ‘Insane’ is harnessed with an up-beat energy; a sharp contrast to the message behind the track. Delving into the trials and tribulations that come with a spiralling relationship, Tar Ráe lets it be known that she will still do anything for her partner.

Accompanied alongside a set of story-telling visuals we follow Tar Ráe around various settings as she gives her piece of mind. From singing in the rain to her sitting in her bedroom undergoing a “gen z” self-care moment, we follow a modern-day love story on the rocks. Speaking on the release Tar Rae commented, “Insane describes a girl who is at a point in her relationship where her partner is driving her crazy, but she wants to stick beside him anyway. It includes a message that is typically delivered over emotional R&B instrumentals, but with a more up-beat, fun delivery.”

Born in Romford, Essex and raised in Peckham, South-East London, Tar Ráe grew up in a musical household listening to Gospel, R&B, and Afrobeats. It was inevitable that one day she would follow down a similar path and explore a career in music of her own. Taking inspiration from artists including Beyonce, Chris Brown, Brandy, Whitney Houston, and Rihanna, the London native wrote her first song at just fourteen years old before deciding to pursue singing seriously two years later following a conversation with her father. Attending studio sessions in 2019 Tar Ráe began recording her own music before sharing her debut single ‘See You’ in 2021.

Catching the eyes of many reputable songwriters and producers, the newcomer is ready to take it up a notch in 2023 with a catalogue of new music. Check out the video for ‘Insane’ below…