TILLY VALENTINE‘s her latest single ‘Thinking of You (Déjà Vu)’ is a great escapism song. So when things in reality doesn’t go to plan, let subconscious dreams kick in and play things the way you would like them to go.
Valentine says: “Sometimes your subconscious just can’t let someone go, and your dreams keep taking you where you’ve been before.” Her first single of the year was co-written by artist and writer, Jack Vallier, and produced at Numen Studios (Dermot Kennedy, Emily Burns, Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson and more).
The independent artist has been described as “the type of quirky you can pair with a coffee or a party”, as her self-releases gain BBC broadcast across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, 6 Music, The Hot List, BBC Introducing Mixtape, Jazz FM, Fresh on the Nets Track of the Week 2021, BBC Introducing Best of 2020 and more.
‘Thinking of You (Déjà Vu)’ sets the tone for 2022 to be Tilly Valentine’s best year yet. Have a peep at her visual for the single below…
Hailing from Brighton, duo 5 WEEKS comes through with a hefty glitchy bass that cannot be ignored through their impressive debut single, ‘Can’t Have It’, coming out today (4th March) on various music platforms.
The edgy Drum and Bass – esque arrangement is honey glazed with soothing soulful vocals, questioning of undesirable actions of a lover.
A serendipitous musical relationship that was formed out of mutual respect for Reggae, Hip-Hop and rare groove, 5 Weeks consists of singer Alexandria and Darren Outbreak who cites array of artists such as Barrington Levy, Anita Baker, Soul 2 Soul, Mos Def, Anderson Paak, Gwen Guthrie, DJ Premier as their musical influences.
Being brought up in a musical family, many influences came from her mum being in a reggae sound system in the seventies and eighties, Alexandria has been singing and songwriting from a young age who was later picked by Sony for a publishing deal.
Darren began DJing at a very early age, getting his first club residency at 15. Starting out in electronic music, he broadened his horizons over the years with many genres in the musical landscape.
As well as sharing their love for the aforementioned genres, the duo admired how original material has influenced music in general over the past few decades and how modern artists have utilised those sound in their own productions. This admiration laid the foundations for the forming of the group’s debut ‘Can’t Have It’, out on from 4th March on download/streaming sites.
Multi-genre artist SAMSON releases his latest self-produced track ‘Come Over’, which explores the themes of abstinence and celibacy when it comes to his latest love interest, SAMSON showcases his versatility as an artist with this R&B sample.
Born of Nigerian heritage, Samson was initially raised in North West London until age 3 before moving to Borehamwood where he spent the rest of his young adulthood.
Inspired by Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, Rock and Grime, and influenced by artists Tyler The Creator, Little Simz, Joey Badass and Chance the Rapper, over the years he has become comfortable with his unique sound and says he now feels okay with being the “odd one out”.
Samson has received national radio support from Tiffany Calver on BBC Radio 1Xtra as well as BBC Introducing and many community radio stations.
With plans to release a mixtape later this year, SAMSON is undoubtedly here to stay. Check him out below…
Manchester’s hip-hop collective ADS THE BARBARIAN have joined forces with London’s veteran producer REDD TUNES for the first EP of the year, ‘The Lone Ranger’.
Featuring members Fya Da Flame, DJ Hook Raida, DJ Cut and Slice, the three-track project features the smooth, retro vibes of hip-hop/boom bap, where the featured spitters take the spotlight to drop some serious bars on current affairs (namely the pandemic) and the hard knocks that life presents.
As well as teaming up with the Northern fierce crew, Redd Tunes have collaborated with various artists across the globe for the past 30 + years as a Britcore producer. If you’re not familiar with his work, here’s your chance to check it out here.
Before you head off to check out his catalogue, have a sample of Redd Tunes’ collab EP with Ads The Barbarian below…
UK R&B singer and songwriter CILLA RAIE leads 2022 with her brand new infectious sultry R&B single ‘Longtime’ produced by XVR Blck. Piercing together R&B sounds with a hint of drill, the single gives off a vintage aura with smooth and silky sonic vibes.
Speaking of her newest release, Cilla says: “Longtime was written with such ease and deep into the night, it represents a new era of growth for me. Which is a longtime coming, giving grown woman vibes and stepping into my divine feminine energy, going after what I want with no fear”.
In 2021, Cilla Raie released her ‘Reconnected’ EP which caught the attention of MTV, Wonderland Magazine, BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra as well as achieving This is R&B ‘10 R&B artists you should have on your Radar’. The EP peaked at number 2 on the UK Itunes R&B/Soul Album Charts garnering further support from Reprezent, Earmilk and Apple News.
Cilla Raie began recording music at just 14-years-old and takes inspiration from her early influences such as Aaliyah, Toni Braxton and Tamia. During the early stages of her musical journey, Cilla was mentored by super producer DaV-inche (Stormzy, Skepta, Wiley) and manager Jackie Davison MBE (Wayne Hector).
In 2014, Cilla Raie released her first self-titled debut project produced by Sillky (Mabel, Teedra Moses, Craig David) and The Arcade (Doja Cat, Khalid, Migos). She successfully embarked on a national school tour across the UK performing with legislation group UK Music. She also has a unique entrance to the music industry having graduated with a BA honours in Public Relations and a Masters degree scholarship in Music Business Management.
Cilla says: “These experiences I had juggling various part time jobs, being a student and doing music shaped and moulded me into the artist and independent entrepreneur that I am today being an independent artist”.
Her music reveals a deeper message for all: the importance of self-love, reassurance and confidence. 2022 will see the release of yet another exciting Cilla Raie EP supported by Help Musicians/MOBO Awards and Arts.
Get a taste of what’s to come from this young songbird below…
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