Melancholic, dreamy, enigmatic and hauntingly beautiful, Montreal’s APACALDA (also known as Cassandra Angheluta) is creating her own immersive world with a refreshed approach to indie, electronic pop which meets dream wave sounds.
Her brand new single, ‘SSR,’ is a nostalgic and acoustic inflected pop song which uses playfulness to communicate a sadness at its core. Cassandra wrote this song due to finding herself in an intimate relationship devoid of any profundity, which she was misled into.
The song’s music video portrays contrasts of emotion through the playfulness of the bright coloured field versus the spiraling darkness of the dungeon-like space. These images serve to depict the back and forth of wanting to believe something is what it is not, choosing to ignore reality to hold on to an idea that is better suited to our desires.
Just as I was getting use to him spinning out some slamming clubfillers as heard in previous tracks, ‘oMoo’ and ‘Oya Naw’, multi award winning music artist, songwriter and record producer Oloye Peter Oluwamayowa – aka OLOYE COLDMAN – changes up the game completely and presents a blissfully smooth soulful R&B effort titled ‘Sókè’.
Coming from a phase where everything looked very unrealistic, through pain, struggle, setbacks and torment, ‘Sókè’ is an inspirational song that gives a positive vibe about not relenting and accepting the fact that God’s elevation cannot be touched.
Personally, I think this is one of his best work to date. Have a listen to this beauty below…
After her interview with the blog back in October 2020, it’s a pleasure to welcome back London’s Alternative-soul singer-songwriter STACEY PIERRE who now takes us on a roller coaster of emotions with brand new single titled ‘Motion’. Oozing soothingly atmospheric soundscapes which intertwines with the young songstress’ alluringly soulful vocals, ‘Motions’ forms part of Stacey’s second solo EP, ‘Origin Unknown’ slated for release in July.
Written, arranged, recorded and mixed by Stacey, the four-track EP is set to take us through some of the ups and downs within her journey of faith. ‘Motion’ represents the value we place on other’s perceptions of us and how that value interacts with our self-worth.
Since the release of her debut self-written/produced EP ‘Eden’ back in 2018, which was met with raving reviews, Stacey is carving a name for herself in London’s music scene as a full-time musician, regularly performing at opulent venues, The Londoner Hotel, The Dorchester Hotel and The Ned. Stacey also graced her intensely compelling stage presence at various events across the capital including St. Felix Place, Gigi’s Bar, Café 1001 and East London’s 93 Feet East.
As she continues to flourish as a musician, Stacey has ventured out to experiment with various genres through collaborations with British-Congolese musician Jordan Mackampa on his EP ‘Come Around’, recorded his Live Abbey Road session. Stacey was also one of two backing vocalists to appear in Jordan’s music video, for single ‘Under’.
Stacey also has a burgeoning partnership with multi genre producer Obsidian Cane, producing UKG club fillers ‘Body Talk’ and ‘Secret Place’ which was also met with critical acclaim and were supported by UKG connoisseur DJ EZ on BBC1xtra. The pair is set to release more dancefloor staples later in the year.
Until then, Stacey presents her single, ‘Motion’ which showcases her undeniable skill to instantly draw in the prospective listener into her world.
‘Motion’ was released 4th June across various music platforms. Have a listen below…
On receiving support from BBC Radio Kent with single ‘Silver Lining’, emerging pop-soul singer/songwriter from KADI follows up with another emotive offering titled ‘Blood’.
Bearing the burdens on this track, Kadi reveals her inner thoughts. ‘Blood’ is about family and realising that behind our roles we are all human beings, imperfect people and it’s up to us to build that relationship.
Speaking of the track, the South East Londoner says: “I wrote this song at the park after an argument, I remember being really unhappy and I was thinking about all the chaos and hardship that occurred in my childhood.”
Kadi released her debut single ‘Unlearn’ 2020 and then followed up with ‘Short and Sweet’. This year sees the 23-year-old continuing to unveil her story through her music…so get the taste of her experiences and have a listen to ‘Blood’ below…
Following on from the release of single, ‘Share My Life’, produced by Jermaine Forde (the son of Brinsley Forde from the legendary reggae group Aswad), RAPHAEL TATE makes a quick return with single, ‘Lord I Need You Near.’
Dedicated to Raphael’s mother, Patricia Ann Tate (1953-2020), ‘Lord I Need You Near’ is the first single that Raphael entirely composed and produced – from arranging the strings to performing the backing vocals. To be a conductor and composer has always been Raphael’s lifelong dream – and what better way to fulfil a dream by paying a tribute to a loved-one.
The stunning ballad features a stellar line-up who adds the final touches to the production. Award-winning jazz harpist JeffMajors, who collaborated with Raphael for 2021 single, ‘Everything Must Change’, provides the spine-tingling magic right from the beginning of the emotive piece.
Acclaimed bassist Mark A Walker adds a pleasing full-bodied tone to the heavenly arrangements. Mark has worked with the likes of Will Downing, Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music, Yolanda Adams and multi award-winning Gospel artist, Richard Smallwood who had a hit with single, ‘Total Praise.’
‘Lord I Need You Near’ was further brought to life by Ukraine’s Kaska Records Orchestra who provides breathtakingly stunning live instrumentation, a perfect platform for the UK-based singer/songwriter to showcase his powerhouse vocals, pleading for comfort from the loss of his mother. This single also serves as a soothing ode for everyone who lost a loved one, particularly during the pandemic.
Starting out as a Billboard chart-topping artist, peaking at number 25 on the American Dance Club with 2017 single, ‘ With Every Beat Of My Heart’, Raphael ventured out as an independent artist, creating his own label, Tate Love Production. His soulful vocal performance quickly earned him the title, ‘Prince Of Soul’ by his ever growing fanbase through tracks, ‘A Fool In Love’ and ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’, ‘Can You Feel It’ and ‘Blessed’, named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.
BBC London/Seani B-approved single ‘A Fool In Love’ and Reprezent FM featured single ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ are also touching tributes to his late mother. ‘I Need You Near’ is the perfect tribute carry on the treasured memories of the biggest role model in his life.
Taking from the forthcoming EP Patricia Ann Tate Creations (release date to be announced) ‘Lord I Need You Near’ was released on Friday (13th May) on various music platforms. The release date marks the second anniversary of Raphael’s mother passing. Have a peep at the offcial video single below. You can also stream ‘Lord I Need You Near’ here.
New Lease Music 