DOWNTOWN KAYOTO, the project of Zimbabwe born, Hull UK based musician Chiko Chinyadza, has released his new EP ‘Learning in public’. Working with New York based producers Frankie Scoca (Dreamer Isioma, Nina Cobham) and Jack Laboz (María Isabel, Alice Longyu Gao) on its creation, the EP brazenly oscillates between bouncing house, trap and UK grime, dynamic indie-rock-flavoured hip-hop and agile UK-garage tinged R&B.
A voyage of self discovery and ultimately a project fuelled by the act of taking risks, across the six tracks on ‘Learning in public’, Chinyadza explores his own artistry and feelings of futility and listlessness on “Lite”, self improvement and personal growth on “Changed it” and “Run from you”, and examines his own relationships on “In2you” and “Poison”, with the latter going deeper into themes of self pity, accountability and empathy within those relationships. Check it out below…
Multi-genre producer OBSIDIAN CANE once again joins up with alternative soul singer Stacey Pierre for the summer charged track titled ‘Long Summer’, out now.
Possessing a vibrant/tropical take on UKG that’ll bring on the sunny vibes well into the cooler months, ‘Long Summer’, is all about breaking away from old habits of rushing into new relationships. It’s an internal monologue that highlights the lessons learned from past experiences, with the intention of enjoying the journey and living in the present. Stacey’s instantly compelling harmonies gives an alternative edge to Obsidian Cane’s euphoric chants and bouncing bass line that commands full attention.
‘Long Summer’ marks the duo’s third collaboration. Stacey Pierre has previously graced her mesmerising harmonies on Obsidian Cane’s 2-step track, ‘Body Talk’ (from his 2020 debut EP, ‘Reset I’) and BBC1xtra- approved track, ‘Secret Place’, which received a seal of approval from UKG connoisseur DJ EZ, is taken from Obsidian Cane’s follow-up EP ‘Reset II’.
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 regularly performing at opulent venues, The Londoner Hotel, The Dorchester Hotel (through Molto Music Group) 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.
Her lead single, ‘Motion’, from her latest EP, ‘Origin Unknown’, released in July, catapulted her onto the worldwide stage, receiving airplay from Amazing Radio in the UK and US, R&B Hits Radio in Greece as well as Ubuntu FM in South Africa.
Before branching out under his new moniker, Obsidian Cane produced music for artists signed to Warner Bros, EMI and Parlophone as well as producing music for TV shows on Channel 4, BBC1 and BBC2. He scored a club hit, ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as UKG duo KP alongside fellow producer Paul Benjamin. More recently, his single ‘Shine’ featuring long-time collaborator Ferraz, received a firm seal of approval BBC Radio London’s Jacqueline Shepherd and Raffaella Coleman. ‘Shine’ is lifted from Obsidian Cane’s EP Reset.
Obsidian Cane and Stacey Pierre aim to inject those idyllic sunny days well into autumn and winter with ‘Long Summer, released 9th September across various music platforms.
In the midst of unprecedented times brought by Covid-19 pandemic back in March 2020, London producer OBSIDIAN CANE was about to throw in the towel as the uncertainty of the music industry took its toll; with clubs and music festivals shutting down one by one. As he was about to turn his back on the music industry for good, his manager gave him one piece of valuable advice and that was to: keep releasing music. After all, people will be listening to music more than ever, now they were effectively in complete isolation. Following the advice of his manager, Obsidian produced a collection of music and his debut EP Reset was born.
Released on August 2020, Reset EP signifies the rebirth of his musical direction under a new alias. In his former life, Obsidian Cane scored a club hit, ‘I Need a Rhythm’ as UKG duo KP with fellow acclaimed producer Paul Benjamin. He also produced music for BBC1, BBC2, amongst others. As his new direction in the music industry goes from strength to strength, Obsidian released his second EP Reset II, where he called upon three promising upcoming singers/songwriters who are holding their own in London’s music scene: Joy Ami, Ferraz and Stacey Pierre – all of which their featured tracks signifies the EP theme of regrowth.
Joy Ami’s ‘Mr. Creep’ and Ferraz’s ‘Shine’ both tell the story of breaking away from the overbearing and controlling partner, feeling completely freeing themselves from the language that was set upon them, thus feeling renewed. Stacey Pierre concludes the mini project with a different perspective of renewal with ‘Secret Place’: the message of this single is that it’s OK to step into your personal to regained your yourself in order to fight another day.
Sonically, the EP possesses that familiar sound of UKG, that’ll be most welcomed to the nostalgics of the 90s version of the genre, while simultaneously sitting well with the younger generation thanks to its fresh spin.
Released on Christmas Eve, ‘Reset’ II EP was perfectly timed for release into the new year, as subconsciously it provokes all of us to release ourselves from all the luggage that’s weighting us down and look forward to be a better (and revitalised) version of ourselves.
Since British R&B singer KEMI SULOLA has made such an impression on you guys with her single titled ‘IF’ (featured on the blog back in October 2021), I thought I’d give you an update on the remixes of the smooth R&B number.
The IF More Night Remix gives the R&B version a UK Garage makeover which carries over Kemi Sulola’s infectious UK R&B and pop sensibilities from the original track. Producer MoreNight, whose previous credits include working with Manga Saint Hilare, Scrufizzer and Footsie, to mention a few, all but turns the original track on its head and transforms it into a sun-soaked dance floor filler. The captivating UK Garage remix adds another dimension to ‘IF’, with its glorious bass-line, infectious drum patterns and lush synths. The remix has already gained support on BBC Radio and part of the CDPool Beats November CD of new releases. Have a listen below…
The IF Andre Solid Remix– Kemi works with the Grammy nominated beat maker and producer Andre Solid, who has worked with the likes of Randy Valentine, Tippa Irie, Marla Brown and Gappy Ranks to name a few. This collaboration gives IF its new flare, but also introduces the world to Kemi’s first official reggae release. Opening with a warm stack of vocal harmonies and cymbal sounds gives this remix a grand introduction to the reggae beat and base that comes soon after, making us enjoy the calming sounds. Supported by colourful radio, the reggae fraternity UK and the Off Beat Reggae show.
While you’re here, why not check out the official video for the R&B original below…
New Lease Music 