‘Tried’ is ASHLEIGH BANKX‘s first single release of 2022, which captures the essence of UK Afro-Swing. The single shows the zimbabwean native’s bold lyricism and instrumentation to tell a bittersweet story of love and romance, while showcasing her rich vocal and candid lyricism. Ashleigh’s music has been likened to Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Beyonce and Etta James.
Her songwriting abilities and vocal tonality distinguish her as an authentic performer with a story to share with the world. She has previously been supported by the likes of GRM Daily, Grunge Cake, Trench, Wordplay Mag, GRM Daily and Creative Gen.
ELLIE BYERS returns with second single, ‘Back Again’, which gives a candid insight about a couple struggling to make it work. Ultimately they know what they have is special, so no matter how many times they call it quits, they always end up back together. ‘Back Again’ was written by Ellie with singer-songwriter Syon, who is also featured on the single.
Oozing soothing, melodic R&B undertones, ‘Back Again’ follows her BBC Introducing-approved debut, ‘Role Play’. Both singles forms part of her debut EP, ‘Gone Too Far’ expected for release later this year.
D DOUBLE E shares his latest single ‘Roll Up’, a laid-back, funk infused Swindle-produced party tune that sees D Double exhibit his unrivalled unique tone and clever wordplay. Referencing everyone from Chabuddy G, Chaka Khan, Christian Louboutin and more, he also shares a classy video shot in the smoking room of a gorgeous mansion featuring a dapper D Double E and other well dressed guests partying till the early hours.
Following his sell out UK Tour end of last year showcasing the best of his 2020 album ‘D.O.N’, the new single is news of his next EP, ‘Bluku! Bluku! 2’. The seven-track follow to his 2011 debut EP ‘Bluku! Bluku!’ due for release on Friday 1st July.
One of the UK’s most celebrated and genre defining artists, in 2020 D Double E shared the invigorated and daring D.O.N. An acronym for Double or Nothing, this incredible 12-track follow up to his 2018 debut solo album Jackuum which has garnered over 12.M streams to date was a star studded affair featuring the likes of Ghetts (‘Where Do We Come From’), Giggs, Kano ‘Tell Me A Ting’, JME, Skrapz, Ms Banks (‘Bedroom Bully’) and Triggz.
With production handled by Splurgeboys, Greatness Jones, Fanatix, Prince Rapid, 1ne, Diamondz and D Double E himself – his first credits as a producer – the project tread on new sonic ground for the grime veteran. Since the release which was widely supported by The FADER, CRACK, Highsnobiety, i-D, The Line of Best Fit, Resident Advisor, Complex, Annie Mac, DJ Target and more, he’s been nominated for Best Grime Act at the 2021 MOBO Awards, put his lyrical magic touch on an advert for Pepsi and continued to collaborated with the likes of Backgroad Gee, Big Zuu and more. Most recently he’s been tapped up again for an iconic Christmas Advert for Camden Hells.
Launching himself into the scene as a solo artist, dropping vibey and left of field bangers, CAVIAR GABE is making it clear from the offset he’s not playing around this year with single ‘Feelings’.
Originally from London but being raised in South Africa, Caviar Gabe’s unique upbringing provides a catalyst for an even more unique sound. Combining braggadocious and thoughtful bars with ethereal and vibey instrumentation, Gave creates an intoxicating style of floaty UK rap, courtesy of his unique cadence and accent from spending life in both the UK and SA. His trappy and bouncy style is hard to pinpoint, yet reminiscent of his contemporary UK rap peers such as Blaze YL, Knucks and Sam Wise. Gabe’s voice glides across the instrumental in a woozy yet stylistic manner, and harnesses a captivating hook that utilizes his laidback delivery, weaving his way through the pockets in the instrumental. With the subtlety of the arrangement, all working together to enhance his introspective bars.
Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, made a huge impact on how Gabe views the world, and in turn, his music. Talking about his experience, he explains: “Growing up, I wasn’t raised by bad parents. They tried to give me everything, but we were tainted, and when everything went south, I tried to find escapes, hustling just to make sure I was treated equally by my peers. I grew up with robbers and killers with hearts of gold, peacekeepers too. Mainly influenced by zulu traditions and cultures, I saw the complete contrast between extreme wealth and extreme poverty, fought for human rights, got shot at by police and had more heartbreaks than you could count.”
Being influenced by musicians such as David Bowie and Mick Jagger on his fathers side, to his mother rooting him in Soul, R&B, Reggae and Dance, Caviar Gabe’s inspirations are an eclectic mix of different cultures. Such inspirations have clearly affected Gabe’s aesthetic, and gives explanation for the importance he places on his visuals and imagery. Gabe’s artsy and edgy style provides the perfect backdrop for his equally edgy music.
With this being Caviar Gabe’s first serious release of the year, with plenty more in the works including a project coming in the summer, “Feelings” acts as a flag in the ground for his intentions in 2021. Check out the official video for Gabe’s single below…
AMANDA FRANCES is a post-pop artist, songwriter, videographer and Web3 innovator hailing from Toronto. The multidisciplinary artist is also COO of Sadboy Records, one of Canada’s fastest growing indie labels.
Frances has quickly turned heads with her razor sharp wit and glitchy pop productions. Featuring cheeky one-liners, her single, ‘making out with vampires came to light after she learned what love should, and shouldn’t be, and how to protect her own energy.
With a six -track visual album set to drop this year, Frances demonstrates a drive to innovate by dropping her genesis NFT project with decent.xyz for the upcoming debut EP, attachment theory, produced by JUNO-nominated producer, Father Bobby Townsend.
Have a listen to Amanda’s ‘making out with vampires’ below…
