Song of the Day: Only One – Oleta Frances

UK vocalist OLETA FRANCES delivers her first release of the year, in a classic, timeless single entitled ‘Only One’.

Following on from Oleta Frances’ debut EP in 2022, the songstress has started her campaign for 2023. Oleta is finding her feet in the music industry and still establishing herself as the rising star that she currently is. In 2022, Oleta Frances had some performances in London off the back of her EP being released. The single from Oleta Frances’ previous EP was played on BBC Introducing Berkshire twice in 2021 before it was officially released. Oleta Frances intends on getting the ball rolling this year with more impact than ever.

‘Only One’ will be relatable for anyone that listens purely because the subject matter is a topic that most people have experienced directly or indirectly. The single is about wanting to be considered a priority by a love interest and being the “Only One” they are talking to rather than an option. Oleta Frances took inspiration from R&B legends SWV when recording and writing this song. The goal was to create a conventional R&B hit that could be listened to decades from now and still evoke the same emotions every time it is heard. Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: Meet Me In London – ily tgb

London- based artist ILY TBG‘s latest track, ‘Meet Me in London’, is considered his most formidable piece to date.

Not only does the Portuguese-born rapper and producer advance his own style significantly, but he also makes significant strides ahead of the scene. He does this by fusing afrobeat’s irresistible sounds with a vivid pop aesthetic that creates an allure full of impact. The singer-songwriter and producer also hits the ground running from the first second with an earworm encounter that you will find difficult to match anywhere else.

‘Meet Me in London’ is full of life and vitality, with the vast array of sounds and styles that’s on full display. ily tbg, who finds inspiration in the greats such as Ludacris and Justin Timberlake, incorporates his own creative energy into the mix while taking subtle cues from the finest in the game.

So are you ready for something completely fresh? Good. Now hit that play button on ‘Meet Me in London’ below…

Raphael Tate Opens Up About His Loss In Single, ‘Here Without You’

Premiered on BBC radio Derby, RAPHAEL TATE‘s new single, ‘Here without You’ is about different forms of grief we all encounter on a daily basis – from a bad break up, an estranged relationship from one’s child, and the extreme loss of losing a loved one. Surrounded by a breathtakingly stunning orchestration, Raphael brings awareness that suffering from any form of grief in silence can be detrimental to our mental and physical wellbeing.

Speaking of the inspiration behind ‘Here Without You’, Raphael confides: “This song is a personal reflection of what I have had to endure the last 13years from the estranged relationship from my first born son and the recent tragic loss of my Mother in May 2020. This composition was created to empathise and sympathise, with people like myself who are battling daily with different forms of grief – to show them strength, courage and perseverance. I wanted to share the message that you can and will make it through these challenges, if you just believe. I am leading by example how we can use our gifts in the arts as a major outlet to no longer sit in silence but openly express or communicate our challenges.”

2022 has been quite a year for Staffordshire-based powerhouse. Since his compelling ballad ‘Lord I Need You Near’- which also deals with the loss of his mother- was picked up by BBC Derby’s Pam Sidhu, Raphael has become a clear favourite with the regional station and went on to perform at BBC Derby charity, Beat The January Blues earlier in 2023. Raphael performance at the charity was aired on BBC One’s East Midlands Today.

Raphael recently took the stage on ITV’s Starstruck, and gave an outstanding performance as James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford. Can you watch his performance here. To see more footage on Raphael at Starstruck, please hear over to his IG account.

Now Raphael turns his attention to offering an ode anyone who’s lost in grief and needs a friendly ear with his latest single, ‘Here Without You’, which forms part of his upcoming album, ‘Love Grieve Live’.

Connect with Raphael Tate via:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
T: https://twitter.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/

Olaedo Ibe Is Ready For ‘The Divine Exchange’ In New Single

OLAEDO IBE’s brand new single, ‘The Divine Exchange’, sees the gospel singer-songwriter seek for a deeper meaning of Easter and what it personally means to her.

After a message from her pastor at her local church and reading a book by Derek Prince titled The Divine Exchange, Olaedo Ibe developed a deeper appreciation to God and the sacrifice he made on the cross. The Divine Exchange is a declaration of her faith through a song. “ I’m singing about what I have gained through the cross which is forgiveness, healing, acceptance, glory and eternal life,” Olaedo explains of her latest offering.

Starting out singing in church and local events from a young age, Olaedo found her forte in combining music with words of empowerment that’s relatable and touching to people, regardless of race, background and religious beliefs. Her crossover appeal gave her the opportunity to share the stage with Motown legend Peobo Bryson.

Olaedo released her debut EP, ‘Shine Like Gold’ in 2015, which gained a nomination for the MOBO Premier Gospel Music and Urban music award later that year. She followed up with her second EP, ‘Grow to Glow’ in 2018 which features ‘Lead Me’, ‘Good Life’, featuring Leke and Becca Folkes, and ‘Fill Us’ (a Children’s song). All three tracks from the EP claimed the top ten spot on the UK Christian Chart.

To date, Olaedo has accumulated over 100,000 combined views on her Youtube channel, over 80,000 combined streams on Spotify and over 53,000 combined streams on Soundcloud.

Hoping to build to better connection with the Most High, Olaedo presents her single, ‘The Divine Exchange’ which is out across various music platforms. Check out the live performance of the single below…

Connect with Olaedo Ibe via:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/OlaedoIbe
T: https://twitter.com/Olaedomusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/olaedomusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olaedomusic

London Producer JUST RYDER Unveils Debut Single ‘Go’

With production credits for UK rap legend Lowkey, Tournier, rising UK R&B songstress BINA (The Fader, The Pit LDN), Awate (Noisey, BBC 1Xtra, The Line Of Best Fit) and Unsigned Music Award nominated songstress Davina Oriakhi, as well as previous support from the likes of Earmilk, GRM Daily, The Pit LDN, and SoulBounce, for his production work, London producer and musician JUST RYDER slips through his brand new single titled ‘Go’, alongside Tournier, IzzyOT, and Ghanaian rapper Pure Akan.

An international collaboration spanning London, Manchester and Accra, ‘Go’ sees Just Ryder bringing together the disparate musical influences of UK Drill and the eastern-style strings that soundtracked his upbringing as a child of immigrants, supported by driving drums and a grooving bassline that pierce through a soundscape of synths. Through this, he creates a concoction in which heavyweight drill harks back to the sampling of Middle Eastern music by producers such as Timbaland and Scott Storch in the 90s and 2000s. Check it out below…