Song of the Day: Christmas Wish – Vadè

Multi-award winning, British, a cappella sensation VADÈ joined forces with R&B legend, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and multi-platinum producer & songwriter, Erik “Blu2th” Griggs to release their first ever Christmas single, an a cappella arrangement of ‘Christmas Wish’. The single speaks of the excitement and anticipation surrounding two lovers sharing their first Christmas together.

Marked by the signature Vadé sound, filled with soulful harmonies and mesmerizing melodies, ‘Christmas Wish’ was written by Shawn Stockman and Erik “Blu2th” Griggs. For many, Christmas is a time to give and receive gifts, eat, drink and be merry, but this year Vadé is bringing the focus back to love and that ‘special someone’ with Christmas Wish.

“Having the opportunity to collaborate on a track with one of our biggest influences has been an indescribable experience. Boyz II Men paved the way for artists like ourselves and so working with Shawn is such an honour,” Roy Crisp (Vadé member) explained.

“It’s not everyday you come across a musical genius who understands our art form so intrinsically. Working with a producer of Blu2th’s calibre who both stretches us and embraces our creativity is literally a dream come true! I can’t wait for the world to hear what else we’ve got cooking,” added Philip Yeboah (lead singer of Vadé).

Vadé’s artistry and innovation has captured the attention of music lovers all around the world. Over the past year, they have accumulated over 10M views of their musical arrangements across their social media channels and have engaged with their fans through duets on TikTok. Vadé is keen to continue sharing their gift and causing listeners to reimagine music through a cappella by collaborating with artists and together, creating magic that transcends time.

‘Christmas Wish’ across various digital streaming platforms. Get into the Christmas spirit and have a listen below…

Asher Kosher Drops Thought-Provoking Track, ‘Mug’.

North London rapper ASHER KOSHER – founding member of the Hackney-based Root 73 studio and artist community – returns with the third single to be lifted from his forthcoming, as-yet-unannounced new project. ‘Mug’, a thoughtful, biting assessment of life in modern Britain, is out now on Root 73.

Following opening singles ‘On Our Street’ ft. Bel Cobain back in March and ‘Focus’ featuring long-term collaborator, Eerf Evil, ‘Mug’ turns the next page in Kosher’s dexterous lyric book. “We’re being taken for mugs”, explains Kosher. “I wrote this song ages ago but it’s more relevant today than ever before.. and globally too.”

Released alongside a tongue-in-cheek, self-directed official video shot across numerous concrete backdrops in London that also features three of the track’s producers (Outrageous Claims, Purple Cloud, Kunfucious), ‘Mug’ digs deeper into both Kosher’s psyche and personality.

Raised on a diet of A Tribe Called Quest, Tu-Pac, Eminem and later, UK rappers like Dizzee Rascal, Sway and Choong Family – as well as Benjamin Zephaniah’s 2004 book, ‘Gangsta Rap’ – Kosher’s love of lyricism runs deep.

After spending years honing his craft – including supporting hip-hop royalty in The Pharcyde and KRS1, as well as legendary UK rapper, K Koke during his early twenties – ‘Mug’ lands as another entry point to the reincarnation of Asher Kosher; rapper, thinker and pillar of his community.

Check out he video for ‘Mug’ below…

Song of the Day: Grey Rock Shuffle – Ray Alex ((ft. Sydney Jane)

Following their previous R8B/Soul effort ‘Erased’ in 2021, London producer RAY ALEX once again teams up with LA vocalist and songwriter Sydney Jane for his self-produced single ‘Grey Rock Shuffle.’

Projecting past traumas and psychological abuse, Ray Alex and Sydney Jane offer an alternative antidote to toxic and narcissistic behaviour with ‘Grey Rock Shuffle’. Co-produced with ako, the song nods to Larry Heard, Vikter Duplaix and funky house from that era and has an oxymoronic twist in how the dark unsettling lyrics in the song coexist with its vibrant, off-centre instrumentation that feels upbeat and inviting.

‘Grey Rock Shuffle’ is the first of seven songs to be released from Ray Alex’s second EP ‘Unseen Powers’ in Spring 2023 on his independent label Incorporelle.

Ray Alex has also co-wrote and performed on Julia Romana’s debut album ‘Blood Be Fluid’ and is set to release songs with London rapper SAMSON and Atlanta rapper JoeJas in early 2023.

Have a listen to ‘Grey Rock Shuffle’ below…

Nicki Wells Delivers Stunning Ballad, ‘A Little Christmas Of My Own.’

As we enter the season of goodwill, most of us look forward to spending time with love-ones and perhaps catching up with friends we haven’t seen for some time. British singer-songwriter NICKI WELLS reminds us that festive times aren’t a celebration full of family and friends for some in her new self-penned single, ‘A Little Christmas of My Own’.

Much like her recently released single ‘Carry On’, Nicki Wells’ takes to the piano on which she first learned to play as a child to add a rich and inviting timbre to this steadily paced acoustic number.

Nicki explains the inspiration behind the new single: “It’s a bittersweet song about Christmas because for some, it can be a lonely time, not everyone has a family to go to. But by the end there is a sweet acceptance of a quiet and calm Christmas.”

In keeping with the intimate sound of this single, the accompanying video was created by Tarq Bowen and presents a beautiful and cozy visual.

‘A Little Christmas of My Own’ was released last Friday (2nd December). Watch the video for the single below…

Song of the Day: Headphones – Leo Kelly-Gee

London-based singer/songwriter LEO KELLY-GEE‘s catchy single, ‘Headphones’ evokes that explosive feeling you get when you have your favourite song playing in your ears and you can’t help but dance along and imagine you’re the main character in your own music video.

The chirpy piece takes you through an euphoric journey of evocative verses, uplifting choruses, before transporting you to another planet in the ethereal bridge and a blistering guitar solo to see the song out.

Inspired by artists like John Mayer, Paul Simon and George Ezra, Leo was a semi-finalist in the Isle of Wight Festival’s New Blood competition in 2020, and continues to perform to sold-out audiences across London. An accomplished guitarist, Leo takes centre stage in his live performances, possessing the energy of Tommy Emmanuel, Jon Gomm and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Now here’s your chance to get your happy on and have a listen to ‘Headphones’ below…