Song of the Day: Florida Water – Asha Imuno

LA-based genre-defying artist ASHA IMUNO‘s single, ‘FLORIDA WATER,’ is a soul-stirring offering which sees the breakthrough act navigate the complexities of love and nostalgia. In ‘FLORIDA WATER,’ Asha builds a sonic world sewn with anecdotes from his most intimate relationships, resulting in an introspective, cathartic offering boasting the utmost whip-appeal vibes. Co-produced by Asha, Zach Ezzy (Jordan Ward, Smino, Alex Isley) and Jack Dine (Robert Glasper, Alex Isley, Masego) ‘FLORIDA WATER’ marks a departure from the conventional, paying homage to classic hip-hop but with a modern twist, incorporating warm elements from 70s and 80s R&B/soul.

On the inspiration behind the single, Asha explains, “FLORIDA WATER is a cheeky grin at an entire complicated and beautiful phase of my life. It’s a lighthearted Frankenstein of my love experiences— the ones that feel too good to be true in the best and worst of ways. By melding these different experiences into one story, I can more easily reflect on how I process love, and what nostalgia feels like for me when it comes to love.”

The official music video, directed by Angel Orozco, sees Asha masterfully explore the complexities of love and self-identity, creating a series of silhouettes that explore the universal struggles and triumphs within the context of a suburban black family. Between the oldest daughter, youngest son, mother and father, the video delves into the intricacies of romantic love and how it influences each individual’s self-love, as well as their capacity to love their families. Drawing inspiration from cinematic masterpieces like “Moonlight” and “Atlanta,” the visual is a deeply vulnerable, honest, and provocative reflection of the black experience.

Asha is an absolute self-starter, having built his music career from the ground up. His cult following was ignited with his breakout single “ZIG ZAGGING,” which has accumulated 10M+ streams on Spotify. His innovative spirit has led to recent career milestone moments, including being named one of Pigeons and Planes Best New Artists (September 2023) following the release of his spitfire single ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME?,’ ft Atlanta native Rizz Capolotti. He performed at A Toast To Black Hollywood during this year’s BET Awards, and is a member of the POC-led artist community KOGO (home to CONNIE, Alé Araya, Curtis Waters, KOAD & more). The rising act has earned co-signs from the likes of Jordan Ward, Diddy, and Hit-Boy alongside collaborating with buzzing upcomers like Aaron May and AG Club.

‘FLORIDA WATER’ serves as the third single from Asha’s forthcoming debut album ‘PINS & NEEDLES’, further solidifying his storytelling prowess and his ability to capture duality through soul-stirring melodies and thought-provoking lyricism. He invites you to join him on this musical journey, one that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the intoxicating allure of love, its bitter aftertaste, and the pursuit of warmth in its various forms. Check out the video below…

Song of the Day: Wonder – Classified 

Canadian rapper and producer CLASSIFIED‘ single ‘Wonder,’ which features fellow Canadian native singer-songwriter Ian Janes, paints a picture of an individual grappling with personal loss, societal challenges, substance use, and questions about identity and existence. It’s a profound reflection on life, questioning the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of reality and trying to find meaning amidst struggles.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think over the years…really any time I’m not on the go my mind is usually racing. I think a lot of people are like that too…just wondering about things,” says Classified. “It’s like when you go to bed at night and all of your thoughts come at once, this is what that song reflects. Thinking about various personal what-ifs, questioning society, wondering why things are the way they are. The things we wonder can feel personal, but really, we aren’t that unique. This song connects my personal thoughts to what everyone else might wonder about too, giving a glimpse into both my life and our shared experiences.”

This track (penned, crafted, and captured by Classified) skillfully illustrates an individual wrestling with intimate sorrow and daily contemplations. It offers a deep introspection on life, inquisitive about the mysteries and mechanics of this world, while endeavoring to unearth significance amidst life’s trials.

‘Wonder’ is out now via HalfLife Records and Big Story Entertainment, why not check not the compelling video below…

Song of the Day: Who – Scout

London-based singer, songwriter and producer SCOUT ushers in a compelling era of evolution as she announce her debut EP ‘Everything Will Make Sense’, out 1st March 2024 via Sweat Entertainment (Dolores Forever, kid apollo).

Scout shares some of the same ideals as its namesake – Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird – as well as reflecting on her own wrestlings with femininity, societal expectations and the power found in telling your own story.

Hamburg born, Sweden raised and now firmly London based having moved to the capital at the age of 17, Scout’s transcendent pop creations are cathartic and empowering in equal measure. Partly tracking her journey as a young woman finding her footing in this industry (having operated in a shoegaze band signed to Heavenly Records in her late teens), Scout is a project rooted in defiance and knowing your worth.

To mark the announcement of their debut EP, Scout is sharing the project’s rousing second single ‘Who’. Through tasteful electronics and rich alt-pop production, ‘Who’ relays feelings of frustration and confusion, dissecting power abuse in the music industry – ultimately written as a reminder to wholly respect and trust your own sense of self.

Speaking more on the inspiration behind new single ‘Who’, Scout said: “The song was born from accumulated feelings of violation and a breach of trust by figures of authority in my life and early career. When I picked myself back up, I felt pretty raw and desperate to gain back a sense of self worth. When you have no mental buffer it feels a bit like having an open wound but thinking that by letting people poke around in it, they could help me heal.

‘Who’ is me questioning some of these people and experiences, it’s a reminder to not give your power away and to find it in your truth and self expression: To honour and embrace yourself fully, but also remembering the toll it can take when you don’t.”

Listen to the inspiring single below…

Song of the Day: Come Clean – Maggie Andrew

MAGGIE ANDREW‘s latest single, ‘Come Clean,’ is about starting over, saying whatever’s on your chest and looking forward to a positive future.

I had a falling out with someone I thought was a friend, but they ended up ghosting me in life completely, Maggie explains the inspiration behind the song. “I felt really sad for a while because it left me confused and hurt, especially because I didn’t do anything wrong. It was like a breakup for no reason.”

The moody, rain-soaked intro sets the tone, which is immediately joined by the brooding electric guitar and heavy trap drums, both topped off with a real gritty grungy, cinematic alt-rock feel. Have a listen to ‘Come Clean’ below…

Song of the Day: Winter Love – Opelsings

Upcoming R&B sensation OPELSINGS comes through with latest single, ‘Winter Love’, just in time for the festive season.

Produced by Terrance ‘Smokey’ Ivory, the sultry slow jam boasts a heavy bassline where Opel delivers her signature smooth, seductive vocals that’s tearing up the UK R&B scene right now.

‘Winter Love’ is the first single from her upcoming EP…be sure to look out for that…but for now, kick back and pin your ears back for this soothing joint…