Song of the Day: 444 – Ghalia

GHALIA can immediately draw in a crowd with her single, ‘444’ thanks to its intimate soulful punch packed with incredible vocals and harmonies.

Set in the often dark, lonely, and quiet time of day at 4:44AM, the track follows a melodious conversation between Ghalia and vocalist Rehana who plays the role of the ‘angel.’ Calling out to this figure through dreamy vocal layers and lyrical pleas, Ghalia asks for the angel’s presence and guidance to help her through sleepless nights, give her signs to keep persevering, and above all, provide reassurance that she should keep her faith in the ‘angel.’

With an undeniably ethereal sonic quality, Ghalia flawlessly delivers emotional lyrics that tell the story of the give and take in relationships, the importance of mutual faith and trust, and the risk we all take when we open ourselves up to someone. Following Ghalia and Rehana’s captivating conversation with one another, the track builds to a sharp and emotionally electrifying guitar solo, which perfectly contrasts against the mellow and soothing quality of the rest of the song. Describing ‘444’ as her “most vulnerable song yet,” Ghalia combines her seasoned storytelling skills and relatable lyrics with catchy and dynamic R&B production to perfectly encapsulate the complicated relationship between herself and the angel.

Following her signature formula for creating new music by starting with a beat and simple melody, ‘444’ initially started out as a solo project, but quickly became a duet and collaboration with Toronto-based vocalist Rehana when the two connected via social media during the pandemic lockdowns. The two talented artists then came up with the idea to turn the one-sided track into a dichotomous conversation between the pair in which they both express their desire to be needed and desired by one another. Although the two have never met in person, after sending various melodies, verses, and mixes back and forth, ‘444’ has truly become a collaborative sonic forum where Ghalia and Rehana have bared their deepest insecurities and emotions with one another.

Inspired by a diverse group of talent that ranges from The Weeknd to Kehlani to Justin Bieber, Ghalia has used their work as a launching pad for her own – weaving melancholy lyrics with invigorating R&B style beats to craft her own unique sound.

Ghalia’s ability to capture the attention of listeners with specially-selected beats, complex drops and arrangements have set her apart from the rest. Her new single ‘444’ will be sure to delight her current and future fans, alike. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: Decide – D.V Major

Coming from New York City, D.V. MAJOR (D V stands for Die-Verse), demonstrates his ability to delve into different aesthetics of music to stand apart from the others with track, ‘Decide’, an instantly addictive fusion of underground hip-hop and boom bap.

At the age of 17, D.V Major co-created Die-Verse Records, a label where artists are able to tap into different pockets and elements of music without the need to box themselves in. The key to D.V Majors appeal is his exquisite lyricism, wittiness and rapid fire flows where he takes inspiration from freestyle rap, boom bap, and underground hip-hop.

He prides himself on being able to make any type of sub-genre in hip-hop, approaching it in new and innovative ways…so it time to check him out…tap on that play button on ‘Decide’ below…

Song of the Day: Maniac – Shawn Desman

After headlining Drake’s OVO homecoming kick-off, Canadian icon SHAWN DESMAN marks an unprecedented return to the limelight for one of Canada’s biggest musical success stories. This top charting, multi-platinum selling, award-winning artist has created some of the most recognized songs of the past two decades.

Desman comes from a groundbreaking era of Canadian music that paved the way for the next generation of artists we see today. With a deep history of success, he exploded onto the scene, making waves across the country with his signature sound and style. Making his mark on an entire generation of Canadians, Desman achieved incredible accolades including five Platinum selling singles, a Platinum selling album, multiple chart-topping radio hits, and a plethora of awards including a JUNO Award for R&B Sound Recording of the Year, three MMVA’s, and multiple SOCAN Awards for his songwriting.

His latest single, ‘Maniac’, is exactly where he wants to be artistically and musically. Infectious, fun, feel good & nostalgic. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: Tedious – Xondra

Taken from her much anticipated EP, ‘Tedious & Brief’, released early this month. New York-based singer and songwriter XONDRA‘s single, Tedious’, is a fervent ballad about finding the strength to reclaim time, energy and love.

“It is a song for the people that love so much and so hard that they sometimes forget to save some for themselves; it is for those learning to step out of survival mode and really live in the present,” says Xondra. “’Tedious’ is me putting myself first. It is me allowing myself to to walk through the hard feelings I was having and still be hopeful that good times were coming down the road for me.”

Often blending elements of pop, rock, R&B and indie-pop, her music explores feminist themes with heartbreakingly honest delivery. Through the six-track EP, Xondra shares her experience of being a woman trying to survive in a man’s world. “I wrote this story for all of the people who have been hurt by the people who were supposed to love and keep you safe,” she says. “I wrote Tedious & Brief for all the people learning to speak up even if their voice trembles.”

Have a listen to ‘Tedious’ below…

Song of the Day: Only – Rowlene (Feat. WurlD)

Award-winning, platinum-selling R&B Pop sensation, ROWLENE indulges a passionate courtship with her latest offering ‘Only (Feat. WurlD)’ .

Recently emerging from a 2-year hiatus with her sultry icebreaker ‘Would You Like That’, ‘Only’, the second single off Rowlene’s new seven-track EP Frequency, is an ode to one of the most essential love languages to maintain the spark between two lovebirds, the Art Of Pleasure. Complemented by sensual sonic texture and courting lyricism, the intimate future mash hit sets the mood for not only a craving for extravagant displays of affection but a simple appreciation for the little things.

Speaking on the creative process of ‘Only’ and what music lovers can expect from her EP, Rowlene shares:

“WurlD and I hadn’t met until the song was complete. The collaboration was effortless and organic.. ‘‘Frequency’ has so many definitions, from science to math, it is a significant observation that always hints to ‘more’. This project follows exactly that notion. Each song represents a twist or turn in the journey we call finding love and sometimes ourselves. One’s cycle can never be compared to another’s, yet when you’ve matched the energies when you’ve synchronized with someone – magic happens.”

‘Only’ is out now via Platoon. Have a listen below…