EP Review: The Lovers’ Tape – Shantéh x Joshua. James

What meant to be a standalone track to be release on Valentines Day, singer/songwriter SHANTÉH and producer JOSHUA. JAMES’ new EP, ‘The Lovers’ Tape’ was quickly turn into a four-track project that was written, recorded, mixed and mastered in four days (yes, four days!)

Bringing all angles of a love story to the table – from building trust, to an untimely separation, then from re-exploring the idea of a relationship to finally solidifying a true bond and commitment – ‘The Lovers’ Tape’ possesses a fresh take on 90s Slow Jam – thanks to the warming glow of the background vocals (which takes on a Jodeci-ish vibe in third track, ‘Luvin’ You’), the sombre feel from the piano (featured in ‘Foundations’) and the vibrant guitar plucks, giving off a Afro tone (in concluding track, ‘Meant To Be’). Each aforementioned component are all brought together by an uplifting meaty bass.

There’s no doubt about it that this mini set is definitely for those who love them some good old 90s Sow Jam. I, for one, am really impressed by their quick turnaround on a project of such high calibre – and still have it ready in time for Valentine’s Day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the South Londoners will join up for another collaboration. Check out ‘The Lovers’ Tape below…

Must Listen: Foundation

Jessica Wilde Drops New Double A-side ‘Wasted’ / ‘F*ck U I’m Sober Now’

With it being a particularly wild 2020 in more ways than one, singer JESSICA WILDE slides into 2021 in spectacular fashion with Double A side ‘Wasted’ / ‘F*ck U I’m Sober Now’

Not only are the singles’ titles self-explanatory but Wilde has opened a gateway into her past by returning full circle to her South London roots, combining her sharp-witted lyricism through Spoken Word/Rap alongside her more familiar style husky soulful vocals.

For those acquainted with Wilde it will be a pleasant surprise to many that she is not just one helluva Soul/R’n’B singer, but she has MC skills which are on par with some of the UK’s heavyweights.

Wilde’s raw, brutally honest lyrics in ‘Wasted’ and ‘F*ck U I’m Sober Now’ take you on a ride through her personal journey of mad parties, hazy drunken nights, addiction, toxic relationships, self-loathing, self-love, self-empowerment and going sober.

2021 looks to be another year of uncertainty but warrior princesses like Jessica Wilde can’t ever stay down. Now established as a singer songwriter, signing her deal with major publisher SONY ATV, Wilde has worked with artists from Ghetts to Tough Love. Her self-penned track ‘Strangers Love’ was released on renowned Korean k-pop label SM Entertainment and her co-write with Rudimental, ‘More Than Anything’ featured vocals from Emeli Sande. Jessica’s last project saw her wind up in LA writing at Ne-Yo’s Hollywood studio, with producer Kizzo. She gained support from The Daily Star, Wonderland Mag, ‘Record of the week’ on BBC Radio 1xtra, did a mini tour with a sold-out headline show at POW Brixton, and a final performance at Bospop festival, opening for Nile Rodgers.

It will take more than a pandemic to stop Miss Wilde from finding an inevitably huge audience, furthermore adding ‘gifted rapper’ to her illustrious set of talents. The combo knockout visual trailer for ‘Wasted/F*ck U I’m Sober Now’ had to be made within the confines of London lockdown but Jessica and video director Dylan Hayes used the 2020/2021 restrictions to spark their collaborative creativity. The dark deserted South London streets kick off ‘Wasted’ and then bedroom isolation inspires the ‘F*ck U I’m sober now’ section.

‘Wasted’ / ‘F*ck U I’m Sober Now’ is released as a double A side single and is out now on all digital and streaming platforms. Check it the official video for the single below…

Bliss Williams Shares ‘Falling For You’, A Song For The Brokenhearted

If you were left with a broken heart on Valentine’s Day, BLISS WILLIAMS’ latest single, ‘Falling For You’ may be somewhat therapeutic.

The London-based singer/songwriter is well-acquainted with unrequited love, as he gives a the yearning-tumbling performance over sweeping strings and melodic  harmonies, all served on a bed of punchy backbeat and bass groove.

‘Falling For You’ follows Bliss’ well-received debut offering ‘Thought I Was Young’. Have a listen to his latest offering below…

Kaydee Steps Up With Brand New Single, Up To Something

Following on from the momentum of his previous singles, ‘Piroro’ & ‘Kemistry’, rising UK Afrobeats Sensation KAYDEE bounces back with ‘Up To Something’, a perfect balance of Afrobeats melodies and UK AfroSwing. His latest offering is about is a beautiful lady who is always up to no good.

Born Akinduro Henry, Kaydee started out early November 2019 where his vibrant sound made it on different playlists and radio stations in the UK and in Nigeria. So get to know Kaydee and hit play on his newest banger below…

 

itsnatevendahk Drops Track ‘Wedontdoitlikethat’ + Video

ITSNATEVENDAHK‘s latest drop, ‘Wedontdoitlikethat’ features a heavenly neon twist on 80s soul. The single will form part of his upcoming album “Wedontdothatanymore”.

You may have noticed that the title of the song and album are a series of words formed into one – but there’s definitely a method behind itsnatevendahk’s madness. He explains:
“These titles originated from a keyboard tutorial found on YouTube, in which a teacher is explaining how “We don’t do that anymore, we don’t do it like that” referring to a way of playing soul chord progressions in the 80’s. I ended up taking these chords and re-arranging/manipulating them into different forms, eventually to be referenced throughout the album and especially in Wedontdoitlikethat.”

The Manchester-based musician – whose real name is Sam Frost – has been self-releasing music over the past few years. His last album, ‘the :0 tape’ came out in 2018, leaving a sweet kiss on the local music scene. Since then, he has been working on new music and refining his sound, which has been known as ‘Smooth experimental pop with RnB influences’.

Check out the video for ‘Wedontdoitlikethat’ below…