Tag: soul music

Asa unveils visual for single, ‘ODO’, an ode for genuine companionship

Internationally celebrated, multi-platinum Nigerian music artist ASA released her latest, soul-stirring single ‘ODO’ (out now via Platoon), alongside must-see visual.

Building on the heartfelt song’s ode to the essence of genuine connection, transcending material pursuits and echoing the universal desire for meaningful love and companionship, the ethereal clip directed by Andy Madjitey and shot across Ghana is a beautiful and diverse depiction of love in its purest, myriad forms.

Written and composed by Asa, with production from P.Priime,’ODO’ is Inspired by Asa’s own experiences and observations, with the song’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of someone who values the intangible aspects of a relationship. The simplicity of ‘ODO’ combined with Asa’s soulful and emotive delivery creates a stirring, timeless piece that speaks directly to the human soul.

Speaking on ‘ODO’ Asa says: “’ODO’ is a tribute to love, beyond only romance. Friends and family lift you up when you’re down and heartbroken, celebrate your victories and cheer you on when you doubt yourself. It’s a reminder that love comes in various forms, and always having your back.”

In 2022, Asa released her fifth studio album ‘V’ which saw her taking cues from Pop, Afrobeat, R&B, Soul and electronic influences and mixing them with breathy, soulful vocals to create dreamy, ethereal soundscapes and embracing a newfound freedom which is demonstrated across the 10-track project. Produced by P.Priime, the album featured the singles ‘Mayana’ and ‘Ocean’ – and their dreamy music visuals – and collaborations with Wizkid, Amaarae and The Cavemen. The project received critical acclaim from music lovers and credible media outlets around the world including Rolling Stone, Billboard and The NY Times to name just a few.

Watch the breathtaking video for ‘ODO’ below…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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?

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