UK Alt-R&B Princess Dior Ashe releases EP ‘Chill Pill’.

Singer/songwriter DIOR ASHE introduces an eclectic amalgamation of various styles, genres and moods, through EP ‘Chill Pill’, a body of work that is an undoubtedly enjoyable journey into the catalogue of one of West London’s most promising talents.

Dior’s warm vocals melded with infectious melodies and encapsulating lyrics make for a unique and memorable listening experience.

Hailing from Ladbroke Grove, West London, singer/songwriter Dior Ashe is undeniably a force to be reckoned with within the UK Alt R&B space.

Proudly tapping into her Antiguan & St Lucian roots, Dior draws much of her influence from her rich Caribbean heritage. R&B, Soul and Neo-Jazz also all play a key-part when it comes to her unique musical scope, with Dior also drawing inspiration from vocal powerhouses such as Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu.

Notably, Dior Ashe has performed at Earth 0.2, QH Sound Live and RCRDSHOP at Boxpark Shoreditch, and has been supported by Reprezent, Voices Radio, Snapback FM and Love Da Beat radio stations with both interviews and radio play.

Must Listens: Homerun, Miss You.

Song of the Day: Essence – Coops

Produced by Greatness Jones, ‘Essence’ is an inspiring cut of positivity from the talented North London rapper, COOPS, ruminating about life across trademark boom-bap drums and a rolling bass line. Essence is taken from Coops’ new album, ‘Lost Soul 2’ – released last Friday (23rd September) via Lost Soul Records.

‘Lost Soul 2’, the seventh full length release from the prodigious talent, was recorded at Coops’ studio in Hackney and serves as the sequel to his seminal Lost Soul mixtape, which still commands huge admiration nearly a decade since its release and is widely seen as a cult UK hip-hip classic. The new album sees a welcome return to the creative partnership with producer Talos that flourished on ‘Lost Soul’.

In support of the new album, Coops has announced details of his debut UK headline tour. The ‘Lost Soul’ tour will see Coops on the road in October and November with a special hometown show at London’s XOYO on Friday 4th November. Full dates can be found below while tickets are on sale now here: https://diplomatsofsound.org/coops-lost-soul-tour-2022/.

While the original reflected the uncertainty in his teenage years, ‘Lost Soul 2’ explores the navigation of adult life against the backdrop of the precariousness of the world in 2022. It’s a tale of progression and growth: Coops’ emotional capacity has matured, as has the soulful melodies he is crafting. It demonstrates evolution without compromising the important message in his music. 

‘Lost Soul 2’ is Coops at his truest, purest, and most effortless and, having flown under the radar for far too long, is set to cement his status as one of the UK’s foremost lyricists. Check out the video for ‘Essence’ below…

Song of the Day: Bob N Bits – Anticalm

Rising rapper ANTICALM is ready to make himself known as one of the most distinctive voices from the UK with his ferocious debut single, ‘Bobs n’ Bits’. The destructive blend of raw and playful storytelling delivers a fresh take on modern rap alongside his production partner Samuel D. Samuel recently worked with Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite who had a number 1 album with the band in 2021.

As soon as the track begins, it demonstrates the influences of hip-hop, grime and punk. ANTICALM is assured as he delivers his tongue-in-cheek lyrics, whilst the futuristic production hooks in the listener with a caustic blend of heavy bass and piercing synths, which gives the track its distinct edge.

Discussing the playful nature of the track, ANTICALM shares: “I walked past a discount shop called bits n bobs when I was living in Manny! Walked home, flipped the chorus and recorded the track that day. Everyone talks about doing bits round here, me, I don’t do bits, I do bobs and bits. Simple!”

The talented rapper tackles his own performances with a similar carefree vigour and passion as his influences Scarlxrd, Slowthai, Plan B, Yungblud and Rage Against The Machine. It’s forward thinking, it’s chaotic, it’s rowdy, it’s powerful. Simply put, ANTICALM just may be the rap scene’s long-awaited answer.

Check out the official video for ‘Bobs n’ Bits’ below…

Song of the Day: Hero – Klaudia Keziah

Upcoming songstress KLAUDIA KEZIAH confronts the difficulties of modern-day dating, in her latest unapologetic-yet-sultry single named, ‘Hero’.

With the aim to inspire and empower many women around the world, Klaudia Keziah has delivered a slice of sensual heaven that enables women to feel confident in themselves. Underpinned with a pop and R&B infused production courtesy of Jojo F (ArrDee, Deno, Tion Wayne, Sarkodie, Unknown T), the single is paired with a set of old-school visuals that contrast against the displeasures of modern-day dating; the black-and-white-washed shots don’t distract from the message laying beneath the upbeat production.

Speaking on the meaning behind the track Klaudia commented, “For me, ‘Hero’ was inspired by a conversation I had with my girlfriends about how some guys slide into the DM’s or even cat call us women in the street. They’re “flexy” approach from the jump about how much money they have or what car they drive is not impressive because I can get those things for myself. A lot of the lyrics are things men have said to me or my friends from experience and through the song I almost get to answer these situations from my point of view.”

Gaining previous support from Wonderland, Raydar Magazine, Industry Me, DJ Ace at BBC Radio 1Xtra, Radio 2’s ‘Funky Playlist’, Voice FM, Wordplay Magazine, We Are Beyond Noise, BBC Introducing, The Hype Magazine and more, ‘Hero’ follows up from the 2021 release ‘Dedicated’ that swiftly caught the attention of various tastemakers and publications. Growing up between England and Lithuania, Klaudia from a young age sprouted a love for music when picking up both the cello and piano. Now a self-taught producer, songwriter and singer, the budding talent has built a growing fan base that are eager for her next move. With more music on the way, Klaudia Keziah is ready to showcase the world her music!

Check her out below….

Song of the Day: twenifree – SAMSON

UK rising star SAMSON‘s ‘twenifree’ is the second instalment in his Birthday inspired series.

SAMSON once again marks the occasion by sharing his experiences of travelling another year around the sun with this endearing, self-produced offering.

In signature SAMSON style, ‘twenifree’ is laced with an infectious, jumpy instrumental – perfectly complimenting his innate ability to capture his audience through his gripping story telling and effortless flow.

Inspired by array of genres such as Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, Rock and Grime, and influenced by artists Tyler The Creator, Little Simz, Joey Badass and Chance the Rapper, SAMSON has received national radio support from Tiffany Calver on BBC Radio 1Xtra as well as BBC Introducing and many community radio stations.

Check out his latest retrospective track below…