Tag: soul music

Song of the Day: So Much More – Quinn Oulton

London-based multi-instrumentalist & songwriter QUINN OULTON‘s first single of 2024, ‘So Much More’, is a poignant reflection upon the life of his grandmother, who lived with Parkinson’s Disease for as long as he can remember.

Written from the perspective of Quinn’s grandmother, the track details her fighting spirit and love for life, despite the adversities she faced. It’s a deeply moving tribute to a woman who had no time for self-pity, but spent a lifetime pouring love into the world and helping others. Quinn contrasts his tender lyrical approach with a frenetic combination of acoustic guitar, electronics and dulcet saxophone tones, creating a musical representation of the complexities of living with Parkinson’s.

On the track, he shares: “This track is dedicated to my grandma, GK, who had Parkinson’s for almost as long as I can remember. She was cheated out of life experiences, but despite being born into unimaginably difficult circumstances and fighting for a life she was proud of, she didn’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, she took it upon herself to learn every dark detail about the disease that was eating away at her, and focused her brilliant mind on helping others in any way they needed.”

South London-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist & producer Quinn Oulton is known for his unique concoction of electronic, indie and jazz. His recent releases bring contemporary RnB elements into the mix – expect heavily altered vocals, chopped acoustic guitars and fast-paced drums.

His debut album ‘Alexithymia’ was released in 2022, receiving national radio support from Gilles Peterson & Huey Morgan (6 Music), Jack Saunders & Sian Eleri (BBCR1), along with Jamie Cullum (BBCR2)& Jamz Supernova (BBC1Xtra). It includes tracks featuring Moses Boyd and Genevieve Artadi. The deluxe version of the album, released in 2023, features singers Ella Grace and Monica Martin, whilst recent singles have also seen him team up with the likes of Reuben James, Linden Jay and Col3trane. He has recently played supported artists including KNOWER, Laura Misch and Jamie Cullum, and is set to embark on his first UK headline tour this November.

Have a listen to ‘So Much More’ below…

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Song of the Day: In His Eyes – Praaaise Nda Pocket

Musical duo from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, PRAAAISE NDA POCKET lures us into the immediately infectious deep soulful grooves with single, ‘In His Eyes’ which is out now across various music platforms.

Although it’s so easy to lose yourself to the spine-tinglingly arrangements, ‘In His Eyes’ expresses an important reminder that God looks out for each and every one of us. Whether we make good or bad choices, he doesn’t judge as he forgives us and he provides guidance and bless us on the path we deserve.

‘In His Eyes’ is taken from Praaaise Nda Pocket’s second EP What’s His Name, available now across various music platforms. All songs are written, arranged and produced by the pair themselves.

Praaaise Nda Pocket comprises of husband and wife Pete Phatdaddy Rudd Jr and Adrienne Aje’, whose on the quest to reach as many people as possible through the uplifting message in their music  – whether  it’s through smooth easy listening vibes or funk-induced instrumentals that will get you up your feet and just praise good music.

Noted for his for his lock it in the pocket style of playing drums, making the most-sampled drummer in hip-hop today, multi-instrumentalist PETE “Phatdaddy” RUDD is also one of the most celebrated and sought after musicians amongst some of the music greats in soul and jazz. He has performed and toured with the likes of Patti Labelle, Kool and the Gang, Chaka Kahn, Miles Davis, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Pointer Sisters, Barry White, Donna Summers, plus so many others.

After rubbing shoulders with numerous prominent figures in music, Pete has decided to step out into his own lane to create his debut album titled ‘New Thing’, released in March 2023. Written, arranged and produced by the man himself, ‘New Thing’ represents the different styles and expressions of music that he has performed throughout his career, which spans over five decades.

Singing from the tender age of three in the church’s youth choir, Adrienne Aje’ Rudd went on to become a background vocalist for many artists, such as Diana Ross, and played keyboard, and percussion with many bands. She also toured in top concert venues throughout the US, Brazil, Canada, and Central America with such celebrities as Billy Paul, Tramaine Hawkins, Jean Carn, and Breakwater. She now performs with Praise and worship teams, choirs, and church plays.

With esteemed music careers behind them, Praaaise Nda Pocket are more than ready to step further into the limelight as independent musicians with ‘In His Eyes’ is available now across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

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Song of the Day: Unfolded (Put a Little Love) – Karmacoda

Following the recent release of their soulful single ‘Try At Me’ back in January, KARMACODA returns with another irresistibly soul piece, ‘Unfolded (Put a Little Love)’ released via Sola Musa Music.

‘Unfolded (Put a Little Love)’ is a sweet and stirring ode to the beautifully charged moment where you can no longer contain your feelings of love for somebody. Sonically, it is tender and moving – sprinklings of delicately soulful keys, lush yet minimal jazz percussion tinged with a hint of trip-hop and romantically cinematic synth strings gently pull the listener into that gooey feeling of smitten goodness. Jessica’s vocals, as usual, soar richly over this tapestry, singing passionately of the joy, power and rapture of new love blossoming.

Jessica shared: “It’s that feel good song with admittance of loving someone and letting them know how you feel. You can’t keep it a secret anymore. You gotta tell them, hoping they will feel the same. Mad crush vibes with a tinge of nervousness, when you finally let the cat out of the bag. Like “are you feeling what I’m feeling?” If so, let’s take this friendship to the next level, and I’m feeling excited so… put a little love in your heart and match me.”

KARMACODA comprises Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett aka B. (vocals and producer), and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass and unique elements). With an extensive discography and numerous awards, the trio has explored electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock, and dream pop in their two-decade career. Ever-evading genre constraints, KARMACODA’s evolving sound now blends soulful R&B and jazz lounge, earning comparisons to powerful artists like Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis, and Lana Del Rey. Check out ‘Unfolded (Put a Little Love)’ below…

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Song of the Day: My Why – Mumu Fresh

MUMU FRESH sings directly from the heart with ‘My Why’, which she describes as “a tribute to that person(s), place, or thing in your life that is your ‘WHY’”. The impassioned single is from her forthcoming LP The Healing, which will feature DJ Jazzy Jeff, 14KT, DJ Dummy, & more, & comes out on 19th April.

Mumu Fresh, aka Maimouna Youssef, is a Grammy Nominated singer, songwriter and emcee, and recipient of the Indigenous Music, Washington Area Music (WAMMIE) & Urban World Music Video awards. She’s worked with Busta Rhymes, Common, Black Thought of The Roots, Tobi Nwigwe & more, & has two NPR Tiny Desk performances under her belt.

Mumu also co-created the Recording Academy’s “Best Song For Social Change” trustee award, which went live in 2023 at the 66th Grammy Awards & was presented by The First Lady, Jill Biden.

Why not check out the lyric video to ‘My Why’ below…

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Yazmine MB yearns for freedom from the rat race in soulful single, ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’

Following the success from her previous works ‘I’ll Show You’ and ‘MOVE’, British-Algerian R&B/soul artist YAZMINE MB is back with her latest offering ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’. The track serves as a sneak peak into her debut EP ‘HEALER’ which is set to release 19th April.

Delicate piano alongside searing guitar, ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ highlights the inner battle between exhaustion and FOMO (Fear of missing out). Written as a response to her fatigue while working three jobs, Yazmine MB yearns for the freedom to do nothing with static-laced voicemails intertwined between her soulful vocals that riff and run to demonstrate the struggles of entering the adult workforce and facing burnout.

Yazmine MB said of the track “WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ is basically like a big moan and complain about the amount of work we need to do to survive and, particularly, my experience as a teenager entering the adult workforce. I wrote the lyrics and vocal melody on the bus home from a childminding shift right before COVID-19. I was so exhausted and always on the go without any free time really- I’d forgotten what it was like to lounge around and do nothing and was headed towards burnout, hence the title ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN.’”

Following the success of previous releases, ‘I’ll Show You’ and ‘MOVE,’ ‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ stands as the penultimate release before Yazmine MB unveils her debut coming-of-age EP, ‘HEALER.’ Crafted between the ages of 15 and 18, during turbulent times, the EP acts as Yazmine’s personal band-aid, a source she revisits whenever she needs a lift, aiming for it to provide similar healing for her listeners. From grappling with old habits to navigating the complexities of adulthood, ‘HEALER’ presents a raw and unfiltered narrative of growth, infusing every track with a soulful resonance. “This EP is like my band-aid,” said Yazmine MB. ‘“I listen to it every time I need a pick-me-up. The tracklist is ordered to show the healing process – that it’s not linear. You get a bit better, you pick yourself up, and then maybe for a while, you dip again, and that’s ok. You’re human.”

Yazmine MB’s musical journey commenced in the lively musical landscape of London, under the guidance of her jazz singer mum. Immersed in a world of artists and venues, she embarked on her musical pursuits at an early age, delving into guitar, flute, choir, and piano lessons. Constantly surrounded by her mum’s musical preferences of Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Amy Winehouse, and Erykah Badu, Yazmine MB found herself deeply influenced by these celebrated musical figures. This rich musical tapestry of her formative years set the foundation for her own artistic exploration and expression in the world of music.

Fast forward 20 years, Yazmine MB, a graduate of the BRIT School of Performing Arts, has enchanted audiences at esteemed venues like Lafayette, the 100 Club, and the Whitecross Festival. Her performances gained acclaim from prominent London stations and publications, including Reprezent Radio, The Beat London, and The Blues Project. Her latest singles, co-produced with FLO’s live vocal arranger and BELLAH’s producer Gimme 2 Minutes, showcase her evolving artistry as she builds a growing team to support her talents. With a robust fan base of 25k across social media platforms, Yazmine MB is poised for an exciting 2024 as she debuts her EP ‘HEALER’’ in April and graces the stage at festivals across the UK this summer.

‘WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DO NOTHIN’ was available across all major streaming platforms from last Thursday (21st March) . Her debut EP ‘HEALER’ is set to release on 19th April. Have a listen below…

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