916 have drop their sensational new single ‘Wants & Needs’ alongside the stunning visuals directed by illpressions.
The tantalising new single masterfully blends the timeless charm of late 90’s/early 00’s’ R&B and hip-hop mixed with an original twist. With the smooth melodies and irresistible hook delivered by Nikz, partnered with signature quick-witted raps from Booda, combine to teleport listeners back to a golden era of music.
Pushing the 916 movement to new heights this year, the Oxford based collective continue to serve fans with feel good music that suits all occasions. From the car to the club, playing this record is a must! Hit the play button on video for ‘Wants & Needs’ below…
To enter the mind of Bristolian alt-rapper OLOFF, you definitely have to withstand the most hellraising rollercoaster ride you can imagine.
His latest EP, ‘Free’ is, at large, a full-on mish-mash concoction of chaotic dnb-esque bass, aggressive guitar riffs, which collides with Oloff’s infamous wayward delivery. Further down the line, the eight-piece set goes go into a place of some serenity. To create some familiarity of peace and security, Oloff samples from well-loved hits – Roxy Music’s 80’s single Avalon (Listen to ‘Photons’) and The Righteous Brothers’ classic ‘Unchained Melody’ (listen to ‘Slowly’). Both samples were accompanied by heavily echoic guitar plucks piercing through the glitchy presence of feathery soundscapes.
It could be argued that ‘Free’ is a soundtrack to the ebbs and flows of life; the chaos sets in when we lose control of a situation before it soothes out, returning back to a place of security. Have a listen to ‘Free’ EP below…
Must Listens: What Does It Matter, Photons, Slowly
Following a wave of tastemaker hype and fresh off the back of having a sync on Love Island, Leeds based alt-pop duo LUCKY IRIS release their hotly anticipated new EP ‘maybe i’m too much’.
Released alongside the new single and title track ‘maybe i’m too much’, Maeve and Jasper (the duo behind Lucky Iris) continue to capitalise on the mass acclaim coming their way from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Radio X and Earmilk. Making infectious multi-faceted soundscapes that blend melodic hooks with alternative electronics and rich musicality, the duo make music to dance or cry to as they tread through lessons learnt in love and friendships.
Written and produced by the duo, and mixed by Richard Wilkinson (Adele, Kaiser Chiefs) and mastered by Antony Ryan (Oh Wonder), the new single ‘maybe i’m too much’ is another fine addition to Lucky Iris’ glittering catalogue. Blending punching lo-fi electronic beats with glitching arpeggiators and washing synth pads, the pair create a glimmering alt-pop soundscape for the silky and understated lead vocal to glide above. Capturing a striking commercial edge with its bouncing beats and earworm vocal melodies, ‘maybe i’m too much’ is radiantly relatable and likeable.
Speaking on the track the band share: “This song is for anyone who’s ever been made feel like they’re ‘too much’. And particularly for those who’ve been made feel like they’re ‘too much’ by someone they love. Because there really is no need to minimise yourself to fit into a neat little box packaged by someone else. But it’s taken me far too long to realise that…”
Having formed during lockdown, the pair have rapidly gained momentum, receiving taste maker press (Earmilk, Louder Than War, Punk News, God Is In The TV, Music Crowns, Lock Magazine, Gigwise), radio plays from BBC Radio 1, Radio X, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing Live Sessions and support from Amazing Radio as well as landing a number of Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists, the Premier League Official Playlist and Soccer AM’s ‘ones to watch’ playlist.
The duo started performing live in September 2021, which has seen them touring cities such as Leeds, London, Liverpool and many in between supporting the likes of: Stealing Sheep, Real Lies and the Lottery Winners, as well as appearing on festival lineups including Live At Leeds, Long Division, 110 Above and most recently The Great Escape.
maybe i’m too much was released last Friday (11th August). Have a listen below…
Must Listens: 23, blowing kisses, maybe i’m too much
Following a slew of incredible collaborations, including a feature on SPINALL’S ‘Honest’ feat. Tay Iwar; ‘I’m So High’ with P-rallel & Toddla T and most recently ‘Options’ with Kamille and Bellah which saw her dip into her garage and pop sensibilities, TAMERA returns with solo single ‘Diversion’ – a lush Aston Rudi and Rise & Shine produced instrumental blending R&B percussion and dreamy synths with her insane vocal talent taking centre stage.
Explaining the meaning behind the single taken from a forthcoming project which she is yet to shed light, Tamera shares: “I had to dig deep to create this song & channel sensitive emotions that usually I would avoid. However the inspiration behind this song came from a time of my life I’d like to think I’ve healed from so writing it wasn’t too hard but ended up being a kind of farewell to that particular version of myself. I dive into codependency, lack of self worth & self sabotage by way of an unhealthy relationship. Confronting myself for doing something I know isn’t good for me but not having the power at the time to leave it behind.“
One of the UK’s most exciting and breath-taking talents, Tamera has been tipped by Amazon Music UK as a ‘Ones To Watch’, recognized by YouTube in their #YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2022 alongside the likes of Bree Runway, Kamille, Midwxst, NSG, Omah Lay and more. No stranger to the limelight her effortless ability to transcend genres from Afroswing, reggaeton and Hip Hop whilst feeling authentically R&B has swept up support from DJ Target, Giles Peterson, Annie Mac (New Name), Complex, Nylon, Highsnobiety, i-D, Billboard, Loud and Quiet, The Line of Best Fit and Pop Justice to name a few. In Summer 2022, fans have seen seen Tamera’s killer vocals everywhere from BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, The Great Escape and Strawberries and Creem on the mainstage and her own sold out headline show at COLORS.
Following her recent single, ‘Angel’ (supported by The Line of Best Fit, DMY, Wonderland, Clash, GUAP) and her 2022 hit, ‘Foolish’ (reaching over 1.3 mil streams), Rising star NATANYA shines on her sentimental new single, ‘Raining Tomorrow’, on AURA. Co-produced with co-collaborators Jkarri and Kwaku Konadu, ‘Raining Tomorrow’ is a lush slice of alt-R&B with elements of soul, afrobeat and jazz fusing together as Natanya’s distinctive, glorious vocals soar over rich percussives and sunkissed guitar licks. This is the second single from her forthcoming debut EP, Sorrow at Sunrise dropping 29th Sept via AURA.
An artist unafraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, Natanya describes ‘Raining Tomorrow’ as “a love letter to the innocent fear of really growing up”, musing on being 20, she continues, “the girl, the character is timid, then she finds that confidence, but it’s still a kid in adults‘ clothes”.
Reminiscing on her formative moments, Natanya wanted to really showcase her youth in the video, from the sweet and important relationship with her best friend to her obsession with music from a young age, She says of the video: “I was really intent on trying to capture youth through my own nostalgia; I was in the record shop every day after school. CC’s my best friend, we met during one of the most pivotal points of my life. I wanted to create that contrast between innocence & newfound adolescent confidence, with all the quirks included.”
Natanya recently supported R&B superstar girl group FLO in Manchester and London after hitting 1+million streams with self-released single “Foolish” (2022). Standing out from the crowd with her refreshing take on alternative R&B and her striking visual aesthetic, she has gained tastemaker support and has grown a dedicated fan base and online community via Instagram and Twitter, her recent ascent on TikTok and her newsletter. Co-signed by Stormzy and nominated for Music Artist To Watch in this year’s GUAP Gala – testament to her beautifully crafted sound and raw talent – Natanya is proving she has laid the foundations for a bright future, set to truly ascend. Catch the rising star at forthcoming gigs at We Out Here, 11th August and at Stormzy x All Points East – ‘This Is What We Mean’ Day on the No Signal Stage, 18th August.
New Lease Music 