New Track: Nokia Nostalgia – FooDoo

The multi-instrumentalist and unclassifiable electronic music producer, FOODOO enlists the vocals of Bonkaz, Dotty, Mugun and Marvz Skee for the release of his ‘Be Like’  EP. The visuals to lead single ‘Nokia Nostalgia’ ft Bonkaz dropped via Link Up TV last week.

Littered with musical influences that see the tracks lend from jazz, hip-hop, grime, funk, soul and R&B, FOODOO has a clear talent in being able to both capture and portray emotion through his productions before a vocal is even laid. Hazy beats, downtempo pop and woozy R&B give the E.P both a welcoming and intoxicating aura.

Having started his production journey at the age of just 14, the London-based talent received his first radio play just 4 months later on BBC Radio 1Xtra. His work soon caught the attention of artists and labels alike, resulting in him working and remixing for Bonkaz, Sway, Tiggs the Author, Bluey Robinson, Glasser and Raheem Bakare, with the music releasing through Pitched Up (Sony), Warners, True Panther Sounds, Tru Thoughts, Kitsune and Otherway Records.

His solo releases to date have resulted in critical acclaim from the likes of iD Magazine, Clash, Pigeons and Planes, The405, Indie Shuffle and Complex UK, highlighting him as a gifted producer with a promising future, something his new release is not only expected to live up to but also exceed.

EP Review: Broken Record – Allana Verde

Since the release of her 2016 EP, ‘Neo Nostalgia’, ALLANA VERDE has been on a steady rise, gaining support from the likes of Trevor Nelson, DJ Target, Complex and i-D. Continuing the climb, the London R&B singer unveiled her brand new EP entitled ‘Broken Records’ earlier this month.

An afterhours R&B (say, from the 90s era) receives a futuristic makeover from the bold and vibrant presence of electropop overtones. Together with Verde’s quirky yet somewhat sultry vocals, this mini collection brings on a real enticing and spine-tingling experience.

Over the years, I’ve seen many artists break out in a cold, nervous sweat when it comes to combining unlikely genres – but this newcomer burst onto the scene and pulled it off effortlessly with such Sade-esque style and grace. This one too good to pass up; have a listen.

Must Listen: Broken Records, I Know Better Now.

 

New Music Video: The Stone – Jerome Thomas

Following the release of his acclaimed debut EP ‘Conversations’, East London vocal powerhouse, JEROME THOMAS presents a mesmerising performance in the new video – directed by Christopher Cargill whose portfolio includes Giggs and Emeli Sandé –  for lead track, ‘The Stone’.

‘The Stone’ is one of the lighter more self-explanatory tracks from the socially conscious EP, tackling topics that still remain taboo within the music industry. It is a personal and sincere body of work, devoid of banality, inspired by Jerome’s observations of society and conversations with close family and friends.

The Dalston native has been championed by the likes of The Fader, i-D, Idol Magazine and MTV, as well as receiving key radio support from BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and Rinse FM. Having headlined a number of sold out shows at Bush Hall, Notting Hill Arts Club and Queen Of Hoxton, and aligning himself with revered industry peers such as Hannah Faith (Soulection), Black The Ripper, Footsie (Newham Generals) and Davinche, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the talents of this genre-defying artist….check him out!

New Track: Loving That – Matti Roots

MATTI ROOTS’ extensive musical background and stylish imprint of soul and pop has been sought out by numerous unsigned and signed artists, such as Dua Lipa, Paigey Cakey, July Jones, Age of Luna, Shae and Jaguar Skills.

Causing a stir in the music world in 2015, he teamed up with Jaguar Skills and Chords to release an energetic reworking of his funk fuelled gem, ‘Lust’. The track came out on RAM Records and was premiered by Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 and hit #1 in the Drum & Bass charts. This later followed with the release of his last album, ‘Beatroot’ in 2016. The lead track ‘Let’s get back Together’ found it’s way onto Spotify’s Viral Chart, reaching 500,000 plays.

Now with the release of his new single ‘Loving That’, MATTI ROOTS bonds his love for soul, funk, trap and R&B in a sensual mix. A loose arrangement of slick house bass hooks and light hip-hop beats, the track has an instant feel good catchiness that Matti is becoming quickly known for. Matti has been constantly making new music and after recently teaming up with Kwame Kwaten’s Ferocious label, he’s now set to release an exciting collection of works, he’s been working on the last few years.

 

 

Song of the Day: Simba – Tobi Sunmola

Following the gripping visuals to ‘Never Forget We’re Here/Tales From The East IV’, TOBI SUNMOLA returns with ‘Simba’ – the debut release taken off his forthcoming EP.

‘Simba’ is a gritty and emotional testimony of both heartache and promise providing a compelling insight into the ethnological struggles of being an artist in today’s industry.

Tobi explains: “It talks about who I am as a person, the colour of my skin and how that may either hinder my growth to where I aspire to be.” Throughout the racial upheavals experienced, Nigerian-born Sunmola remains positive and resiliently confides in his unshakeable pursuit of greatness as he sings “through the pain, in the rain, in the night, any day…I’ll preach”. The instrumentation compliments this sentiment where melancholy chords are backboned by a bouncy hip hop beat that underlines his infectious flow and hook patterns. Authentic and unfiltered ‘Simba’ is an intriguing take on modern hip-hop that draws upon the influence of TOBI SUNMOLA’s rich African heritage.

The Manchester-based artist has achieved an admirable amount, since his humble beginnings in the studio of his local youth club. Co-producing ‘Simba’ with local rapper Two4Kay – who has previously featured on Link UP TV and The 405 – this new release is the product of a long-standing relationship that blossomed within the tight-knit Manchester music scene which forged early on in their careers. Named as Mobo’s ‘One to Watch’, this emerging talent has since been championed by Huw Stephens, DJ Booth and Mistajam whilst Complex, Afropunk and Flavour Magazine have been writing about his ‘stunning versatility’ online.

Combined with an array of adept live performances, including BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter last year – the wondrously creative, ‘Simba’ is a perceptive and accomplished piece of work, that will cement Sunmola’s place as one of the UK’s most exciting, rising hip hop artists this year.