Reggae Collective Kioko Releases Brand New Single, ‘Let’s Be Frank’

Fresh off their 36 date UK and European tour with reggae giants UB40, Birmingham-based group KIOKO hit the ground running with the release of their new single ‘Let’s Be Frank’.

Focusing on candid, heartfelt lyricism and heavyweight rhythms, the single captures the impeccable live sound of the reggae collective, encompassing the energy from their high octane performances. ‘Let’s Be Frank’ is bristling with fresh reggae rhythms, captivating horns and buoyant vocal energy, sitting comfortably within a timeless reggae tempo.

Performing alongside UB40, The Wailers, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and garnering support from Louder Than War, Huffington Post UK, London Live as well as airplay from BBC Radio 1, 1XTRA and BBC 6 Music, ‘Let’s Be Frank’ is an effortless display of KIOKO’s ability to curate empowering anthems infused with blistering reggae rhythms.

Check out the video below…

Sonz Of Thunder UK Drops Video For Latest Track, ‘Blessings Pon Blessings’

 SONZ OF THUNDER UK – have unveiled the music video for their latest track, ‘Blessings Pon Blessings’, featuring Ghana’s award-winning gospel artist Edward Saah.

Already gaining over 1K views on YouTube, the video was shot during the North-West Londoner’s trip to Ghana’s infamous landmark, Cape Coast Castle – a place where as many as 1.5 million natives were stored and shipped out to United Kingdom, America, and Jamaica for slavery. ‘Blessings Pon Blessings’ chronicles their gratitude of receiving a string of good fortunes in their lives and encourages the listener to also count any blessings that come their way.

Gaining UK support from the likes of Ras Kwame (Capital Xtra), DJ AhhVeeDaa (The Beats 103.6 FM), Premiere Radio, UGN Jamz as well as support from US stations (Urban City Radio and Uganda Boston), ‘Blessing Pon Blessings’ sees the pair exchanging their renown reggae/dancehall combo for a vibrant lick of tropical Afrobeats.

‘Blessings Pon Blessings’ is out now on all download/streaming sites including iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Check out the video below…

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Song of the Day: Drinking With The Devil – Lloyd Llewellyn

Taken from his latest EP baring the same name, LLOYD LLEWELLYN‘s single, ‘Drinking With The Devil’ features a compellingly atmospheric soundscape, serving as the perfect platform for his undeniably soulful-soft rock vocal delivery.

Speaking of the release, The South Wales singer-songwriter says: ‘This song came from a place where I battle with all sorts of temptations, a lot of back and forth clouded in even more negativity but not from anyone else but myself.

During these times I realise that the battle I have is something that makes me feel alive and I have started to revel and enjoy the flirting of pushing myself to the edge. Don’t get me wrong there is a lot of struggle and darkness within those times but when I’m holding all the cards I don’t mind pouring the whiskey.’

Taking early influence from his grandfather’s love of Charles Brown and Nat King Cole, to first hearing Led Zepplin and The Doors with his Dad, Lloyd found his way to artists such as The National and Bon Iver. He has played at Boardmasters, Isle of Wight Festival, Bergenfest, Camden Rocks, Glastonbury, headlined a stage at Alternative Escape, is a regular at Sofar Sounds and, has sold out headline gigs at Notting Hill Arts Club, Hoxton Bar and Kitchen and Camden Assembly.

His first single ‘Long Way Down’ was played on BBC Wales and BBC 6, quickly followed by his second single ‘Selfish Skin’ via BBC Introducing…I have a very strong feeling that ‘Drinking With The Devil’ will gravitate even more attention from major music figures.

Time to check out the video for the stunning single below…

Soulful Jazz Band Céline And The Blue Delivers Stunning Single, ‘Learn To Be Alone’

Hailing from London, five-piece soulful jazz outfit CÉLINE AND THE BLUE are definitely needed in today’s music industry. Starting out the summer of 2018, the female-fronted act seem to have possess a strong connection of a band who have been jamming out together for ten or so years.

Their latest single, ‘Learn To Be Alone’ – released last Friday (15th November) – showcases their signature vibe of an alluringly smooth soulful jazz, coupled with vibrant overtones, making the three-and-minute production instantly addictive.

‘Learn To Be Alone’ is the cool cats’ third release of this year, following singles, ‘Hide In Your World’ and ‘Just You’, which received attention from the likes of BBC Berkshire – I highly recommend you to check them out sometime…but for now, have a listen to ‘Learn To Be Alone’ below…

Song of the Day: Summers Over – Icey Stanley

Coventry-based rapper, singer and songwriter, ICEY STANLEY returns to the blog’s Song of the Day top spot with his latest single, ‘Summers Over’.

Maintaining an upbeat and laid-back melody as we enter the cold winter months, ‘Summers Over’ has created major buzz on social media and in his hometown since its release late last month.

Icey’s latest offering follows his single ‘Someone’, released back in July and EPs: ‘Mid Summer Drip 2’ – released with Birmingham’s Mr Macee in August –  and ‘Still No Love In February’, released in February. His firmly established position in the Coventry hip-hop scene has led him supporting UK artists including JME, Fuse ODG, Meridian Dan, Big Narstie, Lady Leshurr and Devlin on stage.

Check out Icey’s joint below: