Song of the Day: 811 – Queen Asharah

Meet QUEEN ASHARAH – a gentle and passionate artist with a heart dedicated to creating art that emanates warmth and authenticity. As an accomplished poet, actress, model, and singer-songwriter, she weaves a tapestry of beauty and emotion in each of her artistic endeavors.

Her latest single, ‘811,’ is a delicate expression of her soul. Queen Asharah recently unveiled her enchanting children’s book, “Princess Jona Cleans Her Room,” a project close to her heart that radiates with kindness and creativity.

In a world where gentleness harmonizes with talent, Queen Asharah invites you to join her on a journey of tender expression and heartfelt storytelling. With every note and word, she softly shares a piece of herself, creating a space where the gentle beauty of her art can be embraced and cherished. Why not check out the lyric video for ‘811’ below…

Song of the Day: How Long – Grete

Following on from first single ‘With u’, a romantic, emotional ballad, singer-songwriter GRETE progresses into a darker, more twisted space with latest single, ‘How Long’ . This is created by dissonant chords, biting and distorted guitar leads and a crescendo towards the end of the track laced with heavy drums, rhythmic bass and Grete’s soaring vocals. The track is punctuated with glitchy details and electronic sparkles, complimenting the instruments and contributing to the cosmic scale of the song.

The song lyrically encompasses the feeling of being stuck behind a wall put up by the other person in a relationship, and painting a fantasy of what could be if the wall was broken down, instead of turning around and walking away. Throughout the song, the anger and tension is growing, culminating in a
release at the very end of the track – eventual acceptance.

Grete was born and raised in a little Eastern-European country called Lithuania and started singing when she was only three years old. She began her young artist and performer career in small ensembles and bands and was quickly spotted and drawn to the biggest stages in the country, such as tv competitions, musical theatre, international concerts and contests, and even the finals of The Voice of Lithuania. Grete chose to leave Lithuania and start fresh in the UK. Now she is studying pop music vocals in RNCM. Influenced by artists like Jazmine Sullivan, The Weeknd and Yebba, she began writing vocally colourful and harmonically intricate songs with strong messages and old R&B references.

‘How Long’ is the second of three singles planned for release prior to the release of her debut EP. Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: Feathers – Jessica Wilde (ft. Zoe Kypri)

Singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and South London native JESSICA WILDE, returns with the second single of her forthcoming album, ‘Feathers’, featuring the soul searing vocals of Zoe Kypri. With the first release of the project ‘Freak Out’ garnering heavy support on BBC Radio 1 ‘Future Artists’ with tastemakers Jack Saunders and Jess Iszatt who championed the track on both Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, saying ‘This has to be the coolest tune on the lineup’.

‘Feathers’ now continues the empowering themes of this album, slated for a May 2024 release, as Wilde joins forces with the deluxe rich tones of Zoe Kypri, just back from performing at the iconic Madison Square Gardens (New York) with Black Coffee.

‘Feathers’ is a song about rising together, realising your strength and power, breaking old behaviours, and creating new pathways to grow, as they hypnotically enchant, “I got feathers in my back, that I didn’t know I had, now I know who I am.”

For these two artists in their prime, who are also close friends, this was a special moment, getting in the studio together has been a long time coming, and they both had a feeling there would be real chemistry and a great track recorded in the process and they are clearly clairvoyant. The song reflects both of their personal and mirroring journeys in how they have uplifted and helped one another through times of shifts and darkness, to step into their light.

Both singers bare their hearts and souls through their music, with Wilde’s debut project ‘Sober, Wasted, Wasted, Sober’ sharing a brutally honest account through confessional lyrics about her journey in addiction and toxic relationships, metamorphized to a life committed to self-love and living sober, juxtaposed by Zoe’s introspection of private worlds, feelings conflicting the mind and soul, revelations on experience and desires of a better world. It truly showcases a unique and compelling drawing together of two incredible artists able to entwine layers of luscious vocals in the cage of a raw unmistaken London grit.

The two independent artists have been making waves individually too. With Wilde gaining growing support from not only BBC Radio 1 but also 6 Music, BBC Radio London, KISS, editorial playlist support across DSP’s with regular ‘Fresh Finds’ support as well as features in CLASH, Complex, Wonderland, The Independent and many more – To Zoe Zypri going global this summer with her song ‘Horizon Red’ with Made by Pete, which hit over 150 million streams worldwide, championed and remixed by the legends Black Coffee and Damian Lazurus. Between them, they have caught the attention and collaborated with the likes of Rudimental, Emeli Sande, Grammy award winner Kizzo, Todd Terry, Sigma and Black Coffee.

Have a listen to ‘Feathers’ below…

Song of the Day: IT’S UP – Mya Craig

Emerging as a formidable force in the contemporary R&B scene, MYA CRAIG is ready to take the music world by storm with her enchanting melodies and soulful vocals with latest single ‘It’s Up’.

After garnering accolades for her 2018 single, 4AM, Mya caught the attention of none other than Dreamville’s own first lady, Ari Lennox. Pinned as an ‘artist to watch’ by BBC Radio Leeds & Nada’s Link Up TV, Mya has delved into the world of music, experimenting with various sounds and taking inspiration from an eclectic array of artists, including legendary producer Rodney Jenkins (known as Darkchild), Brandy, and Mariah Carey.

‘It’s Up’ sees Mya effortlessly gliding between sultry verses and powerful, uplifting choruses, delivering a performance that is both soulful and incredibly fun. Her vocal range is on full display, and you can feel the genuine passion and emotion behind every word she sings. Her journey, infused with emotion and a hint of nostalgia, has led her to craft a unique sound that captures the essence of R&B’s golden era while infusing it with a modern twist.

Speaking on ‘It’s Up’ Mya says “I just want to make people feel good again! ‘It’s Up’ is all about celebrating oneself after feeling down for a period of time. Prepping yourself up even when times or life can get hard, this song is supposed to remind myself and others that something greater is coming on the other side. A big emphasis and ode to self realisation and power, something no one can take away from you”.

Mya has created an exciting buzz from teasing her new music on TikTok, she has garnered over 800,000 views and an impressive 80,000 likes in a short space of time. What sets Mya Craig apart is her ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously delivering a fun and wistful style.

Her music is not only a testament to her incredible vocal talent but also a reflection of her deep passion for the art form. With a sound that fuses nostalgia and modernity, Mya Craig is set to leave an indelible mark in the music industry. Check out the video for ‘IT’s Up’ below…

Song of the Day: Believe In Love – Danni Tesfay

Introducing London-based R&B talent DANNI TESFAY with her exquisite single titled ‘Believe In Love’. The track comes on the back of Danni’s well-received summer single ‘Hit The Road’, as well as recent support from BBC Radio 1 and Reprezent Radio. Written by Danni and progressive R&B babe Kemi Ade, and produced by Grammy Award-nominated musician Likklejay – who has also worked with Chris Brown, Capella Grey, and Kojey Radical, among others, with Ramera Abraham (Adele, Little Mix, TianaMajor9) engineering the track – ‘Believe In Love’ is an emotionally resonant offering that speaks to the universal apprehension of plunging into the depths of love, with Danni trying to assure her lover that they are safe and secure with her.

Birthed out of Platoon’s latest ‘She Runs The Board’ program and writing camp held in London, where Danni Tesfay connected with producer Likklejay and songwriter Kemi Ade, ‘Believe In Love’ is an exquisite R&B offering driven by captivating guitar arrangements, lush synths, and minimalist drum patterns excellently crafted by Likklejay, over which Danni offers a yielding and enthralling vocal performance. The track is further enriched by some very relatable songwriting from Danni and Kemi Ade. Thematically about trying to love someone with deep-seated fears of fully embracing love, the song is Danni’s support for everyone struggling with falling in love and letting go, as she delves into the intricate complexities of love and the reservations that arise from past disappointments.

Recommended if you like the sounds of Kehlani, Victoria Monet, or Kiana Ledé, Danni Tesfay is an exciting new talent that is bringing a breath of fresh air to the UK R&B scene. Acclaimed by industry insiders like Victoria Jane on BBC Radio 1, and Rellik on Reprezent Radio, she stands out as a rising star in a crowded musical landscape. Hailing from Coventry and now thriving in the vibrant heart of London, this British Eritrean songstress is showing that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts such as Destiny’s Child, Mya, and Cassie, Danni Tesfay seamlessly fuses classic R&B elements with her innovative flair to create mesmerizing soundscapes. Whether you’re in the mood for alluring melodies or poignant ballads, Danni is the artist that will enchant your senses. Why not check out the video for ‘Believe In Love’ below…