Song of the Day: Hop In the Place – Sticky Blood (ft. LDizz)

sticky blood hop in the place

Following on from their Rhythm & Grime single Garn Again featuring Snowy and Yxngz, the production duo STICKY BLOOD keep smashing out the tracks and another one Hop In The Place. This track takes on Grime x Trap vibes, with its deep bass and beats, and the hard-edged lyrics.

Their work-rate is second to none, with a string of releases such as their debut EP I-D in 2015 and follow-up EP Blood Is Stickier Than Water gaining support from Red Bull, Complex, Radio 1Xtra, Clash, Wonderland, NME, Toddla T, Mistajam and Monki.

The two are now joined by another Steel City representative L Dizz who is from the new generation of Grime, and has gained attention from 1Xtra DJMistajam. He distinguishes himself between a melodic, anthemic chorus to rapping with a demanding, unyielding flow with a strong and powerful delivery that commands your attention. It’s backed by STICKY BLOOD’s alarming synths, snappy snares, militant hi hats all backed with a bass big enough to shake the grimiest of raves up.

They are already unsettling other producers across the UK with their unique and explorative sounds and wave of releases, and will continue to do so throughout the year. The anticipation is growing and growing for the new duo in town.

 

Song of the Day: The Heroine – Jovel

The heroine Jovel

Ahead of the release of his debut EP, The Void (out 20th June on iTunes), JOVEL teases us with the highly emotive single, The Heroine.

Following the turbulent tale of Katie, a girl JOVEL knew in his youth, The Heroine explores her addictions and struggles as a young, single mother. Played out like a spoken word poem, the track emerges as a heartfelt grime composition, steadied by a stark beat and alt-rock ensemble of guitars.

Never the one to settle inside the box, the London singer/rapper wants to make his EP as interactive as possible. Unveiled in 15 second episodes on his Instagram account (@jovelmusic), JOVEL has broadcast The Void: An Instagram Movie, a compilation of completely fresh footage that interlink the EP’s four tracks and videos together. Released fortnightly, each cut will continue a story that develops throughout the campaign. Giving his fans the chance to interact with the songwriter directly, The Void: An Instagram Movie is a unique and personal mark on the work that he has put into his new EP.

Take time out and check out the movie…but first watch the heart-wrenching video to the single, The Heroine (directed by  Patrick Odour)

New Track: When I’m Feeling Down – Jake Aldridge (ft. Ellie Jamison)

Jake Aldridge when i'm feeling down

UK rapper JAKE ALDRIDGE collaborates with fellow UK artist and singer/songwriter, Ellie Jamison for the first time, with his latest single, When I’m Feeling Down, as a way of thanking a loyal friend for many years of support.

Ellie has been performing since the age of 9 and has worked closely with Amy Wadge, who co-wrote the Grammy winning song, Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud.

Based in Suffolk, Aldridge has enjoyed previous successes. His music video for a previous single, Give You The World, which was filmed in Spain, went to number one on the VTYO video charts and has, to date, cranked up over 100,000 plays online.

His latest upbeat offering has further built-in quality as it features production by California-based Johann Elliott, who has worked with Jake on previous tracks.

When I’m Feeling Down is now available on iTunes…go on, have a sample!

New Music Video: Get Your Sexy On – Lovestarrs

Get Your Sexy On Lovestarrs

Brother and sister, Sarah and Hamish McIntosh – aka electro pop outfit LOVESTARRS –  have released a fun-packed video to their single, Get Your Sexy On.

Previously known as The Good Natured, they were signed to Parlophone/EMI a few years ago and dropped by the label with an album ready to be released. The duo subsequently found a new home with DEFDISCO whose ethos puts creative control in the hands of the artist, building a community rather than a roster.

The single is now available on all major music outlets.

Album Review: Lost Songs Volume 1 (UK) – Various Artists

Lost Songs vol.1 UK
The Lost Songs campaign aims to seek out the next John Lennons, Adeles, Amy Winehouses, David Bowies and Freddie Mercurys and formed a 16-track album, released on Friday through M:89 Records. All songs were recorded at Metropolis Studios where an average of 50% of the UK’s Top 40 Chart is recorded, mixed or mastered.

The record label definitely sourced out Britain’s most hidden gems who crafted something in between easy listening and adult contemporary pop, some having the potential of becoming this summer’s favourites.

Here’s a tip for you: the further you go along the album, the sweeter it gets…so don’t lose faith; have a listen here.

Must Listens: Falling Down by Dawson; Done by Jasmine Paterson; Regress by Lindsay & Isaac; You’ve Got It by Sweet Revenge; You’re My Man by Ben Campani; I’m No Angel by J Eoin.