Timeless trio Karmacoda shares self-empowerment ballad, ‘Try At Me.’

Comprising of Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett (aka B. on vocals and producer) and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass), captivating trio KARMACODA have unveiled their new single, ‘Try At Me’, which takes on a soulful, R&B quality that oozes with jazz lounge sensibility. A tender but passionate anthem to self-liberation and overcoming hardship, this track sees Jessica Ford baring her soul in her stirring, powerful vocal delivery. Her vocals soar over a gentle, syncopated downtempo beat, minimal R&B bassline and lowkey instrumental arrangements peppered with the delicate teal of jazz piano. ‘Try At Me’ is bathed in emotion and pain, yet decidedly triumphant and hopeful.

Jessica shared: “I wrote this song about a young girl I teach singing to. She had been through so much loss, anger, sadness and so many trials; more than any little girl should ever have to endure. I watched her fall into a depression, so much so, she didn’t want to sing anymore. Slowly but surely, through love, time and a lot of work, she started coming back, becoming more confident. I watched her fight for it.The song ‘Try At Me’… the words are “it’s time to try at me”, in other words, it’s time to give myself some girl power. It’s time to find myself, it’s time for me to rise, take a chance on myself, get out of this dark place, be heard, grow, and take a leap of faith, even when I feel beat up, I know I can stand up, try at me. She did, and she is. She is singing again. I couldn’t love this more. To my girl, this one’s for you.”

With impressive discography and many awards under their belts, San Francisco- based KARMACODA have offered up a vast array of sounds over the last twenty years, including electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock and dream pop. While still eluding being pigeonholed into a single genre, the trio’s sound has evolved into a soulful, sophisticated fusion of R&B, jazz lounge, drawing comparisons to the likes of powerful artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and Lana Del Ray.

‘Try At Me’, was released on 26th January via Sola Musa Music. Why not check it out below…

Song of the Day: Stolen – Raelle

‘Stolen’ is a collaborative track between soul songbird RAELLE, London based singer Collard, Gabiga and German producer S.Fidelity that blends two gentle intertwining falsettos with a bouncy instrumental to create a production that’s both gentle and energetic.

Londoner Raelle was longlisted for Glastonbury Emerging Talent 2022 and featured in VEVO UK’s “DSCVR New Music” in March 2023 with the first release from her EP ‘Bloodlines’. Rich in original orchestral arrangements, ‘Bloodlines’ pays homage to the windrush generation.

Premiered on Wordplay Magazine, The EO garnered serious attention from the likes of EARMILK, TRENCH and Central Sauce. Raelle has been featured on BBC Introducing, 2, London, BBC 1Xtra Touchdown tour, DJ Ace’s R&B show and JazzFM.

Can’t wait to hear more from her in 2024…listen to ‘Stolen’ below…

Liv East shares debut EP, ‘LVE1’ + single ‘LVE Unlimited’

East London producer & songwriter LIV EAST releases her debut EP ‘LVE1’ on EMK, Kartel Music Group’s electronic imprint. Produced by longtime collaborator LOKES LDN alongside Liv herself, the release nods towards classic soul & disco, channelling the likes of Chic and Adina Howard, yet shimmers with future, capturing influences from the likes of Jungle, SAULT and Cleo Sol.

To celebrate the release, Liv East shares single ‘LVE UNLIMITED’, the EPs most raw and bittersweet track. Liv comments on the single, “I wrote it upon reflection of how I’d been denied and cast aside in my last relationship. It was a painful and confusing time but my inner strength pushed me forwards and I knew I wouldn’t be waiting around for this person. It’s a story of self love even in the face of heartbreak. I wrote and recorded the vocals in one sitting with all the final vocals being from the demo recording. The lyrics give nods to classic love songs ‘killing me softly’ and ‘wicked games’, adding to that timeless feel I wanted to create with the whole project”.

2023 so far has seen Liv East release singles ‘You Got Me’, ‘So Badly’ and ‘Love Frequency’, which landed support from BBC Radio London, Rinse FM, The Independent, Dummy, Noctis, Vogue France, Earmilk, whilst also landing playlist support from New Music Friday UK. She’s also collaborated with a wealth of artists in recent months, including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kid Fonque and Yarni.

Have a listen to ‘LVE1’ EP below…

Beatrice Kateme-Byakika shares alluring soulful ballad, ‘Sweetness’

Based in London, with roots in Kenya and Uganda, BEATRICE KATEME-BYAKIKA writes heartfelt songs about life, love and all the bittersweet spaces in between. Simple yet deep, the soul songstress’ past compositions creates a open space for true introspection, imagination and wonder.

Her latest single, ‘Sweetness’ adds to the her extensive discography of pure escapism. The alluring piano keys, immediately joined by the soulful backdrop and Beatrice’s titillating vocals, serves as smooth invitation for two lovers to ignite a life of pure and endless passion.

A seasoned artist with a career spanning over more than a decade, Beatrice had a first break with the song ‘Nilizaliwa’, which was featured on BBC by the late Charlie Gillett which solidified her place as a songwriter. Her debut album, ‘Coming Home’ – a 2008 tribute to her multicultural heritage – became the spark that ignited several other projects, including the 2014 album, ‘Naked’ under the moniker Carmine Rose. In these releases you can hear echoes of East African and world music blending with classic pop and R&B, occasionally taking centre-stage when the artist sings in different dialects.

In spite of the recent global adversities and much to the pleasure of her growing fanbase, Beatrice released several singles in 2020. Amongst them was ‘Slow Down’, a duet with fellow diaspora artist Gizzy Manora, which received radio play both in Europe and North America. With a newfound creative drive and backed by a prolific relationship with producer Ivan Anchant, she is continuing on a path of artistic development and sharing new music in 2023.

‘Sweetness’ was released from 4th November via various music platforms . Will you allow yourself to indulge in this treat?

MiParis Music teams up with soul songstress Carol Riddick for single, ‘I Love Me Too’

Philadelphia based label MIPARIS MUSIC has unveiled an anthem that will resonate with people around the world which comes in the shape of ‘I Love Me Too’, released 10th October. The single forms part of MiParis Smooth Jazz Compilation album Vol.2, set to be released in Spring 2024.

‘I Love Me Too’ features soul songbird Carol Riddick who showcases her infamous sultry vocals to proclaim love for herself. In a world which holds so much negativity that can have a knock effect on self-worth, the therapeutically soulful single also serves as the perfect ode to encourage every person to take a moment to appreciate themselves – and most importantly to practice self-love.

The single was written by singer-songwriter, producer and record label owner of MiParis Music, Michael Upshaw along with Right Side Music Publishing owner, Dexter T.Moore. Together they own 1 Vision Music Productions.

Michael Upshaw founded his record label MiParis Music back in 2011, after which he reached out to esteemed jazz/soul keyboardist from Philadelphia, Dexter T. Moore, to work with him in writing and producing songs that featured world renowned bassist Gerald Veasley, Grammy nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright, bassist for Will Downing and Richard Smallwood, Mark A. Walker and Grammy Winning Saxophonist, Kirk Whalum.

A prolific singer from Philadelphia, Carol began her career touring with Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith, aka Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince. The soul songstress went on to work alongside neo soul heavyweights Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, Norman Brown, Kindred The Family Soul, Jeff Bradshaw, Musiq Soulchild, as well as Chris “Big Dog” Davis and Kim Waters. She also collaborated with Grammy Award winning producers and songwriters including Multiple Grammy Winners, The Roots, James Poyser, Erykah Badu, and Eric Bellinger’s 2022 GRAMMY nominated album on the track ‘Shine On The World.’

Carol is coming to the UK to perform with Will Downing and Maysa at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on 11th March 2024 and Band On the Wall In Manchester on 15th March 2024.

Until then Carol Riddick spreads some love and positivity to the world, with ‘I Love Me Too, released 10th October across various music platforms.

Follow Carol Riddick via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CarolRiddick.Vocalist/
T: https://twitter.com/carol_riddick
IG: https://www.instagram.com/carol_riddick

Follow MiParis via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichaelUpshaw/
T: https://twitter.com/MrSong2u4u
IG: https://www.instagram.com/miparismusic/