OUT TODAY: Raphael Tate Returns With Soulful Single ‘Gotta Hold On’ From Album Love, Grieve and Live

Following his appearance on ITV’s Starstruck, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown earlier in this year (2023), RAPHAEL TATE – known fondly as the Prince of Soul by his fans – is back in the spotlight with album, ‘Love, Grieve Live’ out today (18th August) via his label, Tate Love Productions.

The nine track album includes previously released singles – the orchestral-led ballad, ‘Lord I Need You Near’ (featuring acclaimed jazz musician JeffMajors), which received a seal of approval from BBC Radio Derby’s Pam Sidhu; ‘Here Without You’, supported by BBC Radio Stoke plus radio stations around the globe, and Reprezent Radio favourite, ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’.

‘Love Grieve and Live’ album mirrors the cycle of losing a dear one: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Raphael knows all too well what it’s like to be on the turbulent journey: in 2020, his mother unexpectedly passed away and understandably Raphael went through a rollercoaster of emotions.

Alongside the release of the album, Raphael also shares fifth track, ‘Gotta Hold On’, which arguably acts as an anchor of survival to the cycle of grief. With esteemed jazz/soul musician Mark A. Walker providing guitar riffs which adds an edge of funk to the soulful piece, ‘Gotta Hold On’ serves as the perfect platform for Raphael’s heartfelt powerhouse vocals to deliver an inspirational and powerful message of losing someone: it’s OK not to be OK, as those dark moments are in actual fact a fundamental part of the healing process.

Since impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford with his slick moves as James Brown on ITV’s StarStruck, Washington DC-born Raphael has recently become a member of The Recording Academy/Grammy Awards Class of 2023 (Washington DC Chapter). With back-to-back performance across The Midlands – where he now calls home – and across the UK, Raphael manages to find the time to offer some healing with his new heartfelt album and single ‘Gotta Hold On’, both out now across various music platforms.

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Song of the Day: Killing It – Elif Dame

After releasing a slew of singles from 2020 – 2021, it became clear to Amsterdam based singer-songwriter ELIF DAME that her lifelong battle against depression in combination with the pressure to consistently put out new work had taken away the joy she previously felt in releasing and thus decided to go on a long overdue self-care hiatus. In the year that followed, the artist committed herself to prioritizing her own mental health – all while documenting the process.

The result of that hiatus is her upcoming album, Securely Detached. The release showcases the her journey of learning to take back her own life, differentiate her own feelings from the feelings of her surroundings and also about learning to focus on herself instead of pre-occupying her mind with making other people happy and comfortable. Dame confides, “It’s about reframing my co-dependent relationships and about my time on the waitlist to get mental health care. It’s about the important process of learning what it means to put yourself first.”

The album kicked off with the release of ‘Celexa (Buy Me Time)’ where Dame opened up about hitting rock bottom and weighing up the options of going on medication. Now, Elif Dame continues with part two of her story, with her single ‘Killing It’ which focuses on letting go and starting to feel the benefits of medication, all whilst having doubts about being on the precipice of another manic episode. Sonically, ‘Killing It’ features warm, honey-soaked vocals, vibey beats from fellow Amsterdam artist GANZ, and hypnotic melodies which create an all-encompassing atmosphere. Check out the gorgeous single below…

OUT TODAY: Listen To Eleanor’s Wistful Single, ‘Former Friend’.

ELEANOR is a singer-songwriter with an R&B leaning sound, coloured in hues of soul and indie. Resonating in a more alternative and folk frequency, ‘Former Friend’ is the latest preview from forthcoming debut EP, A Late Bloom.

Preluding her wistful new single, ‘Former Friend, she explains: “Emotional intimacy requires surrender and interpersonal faith. When a relationship is unsuccessful, it can cause folks to break faith with themselves.”

Eleanor takes a narrative approach to songwriting, leaning on experiences of grief and overcoming to shape stories that are robust and deeply felt. She has recently contributed backup vocals to the published music of Chad Price, Texas King, and Emanuel whose album Alt Therapy was nominated for two JUNO Awards.

‘Former Friend’ was released today (4th August) via various music platforms. Have a listen to this deeply heartfelt piece below…

Song of the Day: New – Kadi

Following local radio acclaim on BBC Radio Kent in her beloved hometown of Orpington, Soulful singer-songwriter KADI, arrives with latest single, ‘New’ – an emotionally charged song which takes you on a journey through the bittersweet experience of being blindsided by someone leaving unexpectedly.

Kadi’s soulful vocal delivery invites the audience to immerse themselves into navigating the complexities of her experience, reminding us that in the face of adversity, personal growth and appreciation can emerge. ‘New’ seeps into the inner feelings of confusion and disappointment uncovered by the honest and baring lyrics that touches the soul.

Drawing from a personal experience Kadi pours her heart and soul into the track, delivering an authentic and relatable message.

Kadi has worked on all her music alongside producer Adam Rust known for his work with acclaimed artists like JP Cooper, Nina Nesbitt, Becky Hill etc. This year Kadi is releasing her first album project ‘Shed This Skin’ set to release on the 25th October, and is experiencing blossoming growth as a person and independent artist. Have a listen to her stunning single below…

Song of the Day: Leaving – Lydia René

LYDIA RENÉ‘s single, ‘Leaving’ is a deeply emotional account of what it feels like to leave a relationship in turmoil. The piano and strings, along with Lydia’s increasingly soaring vocals, create an atmosphere that draws the listener into a very intimate space of heartbreak.

A Jersey native (currently residing in Los Angeles), René was recently featured on BET.com as an artist on the verge and she’s been seen and heard on Apple TV + , Amazon Prime (Man In the High Castle Final Season 4.4 million views on Youtube), Disney + (Lady And the Tramp Trailer 7.9 million views on Youtube) and many more. Lydia René has also recently worked/collaborated with Ledisi, Lukas Graham, Bobby Brown, Mike Posner and many others.

Have a listen to the stunning single below…