Magi Merlin Shares New Single, ‘Free Grillz’ + Video

After courting a cult following with her underground EPs Drug Music, On My Way to the Listening Party, and subsequent singles, the ever-mysterious Canadian artist, MAGI MERLIN (pronounced MADGE-eye) is stepping into her moment with new single, ‘Free Grillz.’ The new track follows off earlier tips from CRACK Magazine and spots opening for the likes of Lido Pimienta and playing at Osheaga alongside ODIE, Jessie Reyez, etc. She will support the new single with SXSW dates and a debut headline show in Brooklyn at Purgatory on March 9.

Produced by longtime collaborator and beatsmith Funkywhat, ‘Free Grillz’ finds Magi’s vocals gliding over frostbitten hi-hats, tectonic snares, and a shattering bassline showing off the extent of her talents, marrying a sensuous and self-assured rapping style with a wistful hook. Changing tact from earlier releases, Merlin switches out some of those syrupy R&B flavors for the sounds of 90’s house, drum and bass and acid-flecked hip-hop. ‘Free Grillz’ is a track that playfully aspires to the tropes of rap fame while also frankly reflecting on the realities of day-to-day life (like having your name mispronounced, or having to kick out the clingy man who won’t leave your apartment).

Directed by Walid Jabri, the music video for ‘Free Grillz’ shows Magi in an intimidating, cold and yet utterly captivating light. Proudly flaunting her grillz, she embodies the daring attitude of the song and mesmerizes viewers in an array of red hues and fast-moving shots. From motorcycle rides to blowing off a boring guy and mosh pitting, Magi keeps us on our toes as she references the lifestyle in the lyrics.

Check out the fierce video to the equally fierce track below…

Listen To Cyan’s New Single, ‘DWYW’

South London’s steady emerging R&B songstress CYAN releases her mighty follow up from preceding single ‘Tell Me’ with her latest track ‘DWYW’ (Do What You Want).

Lacing a smooth guitar-clad instrumental, Cyan makes it clear to her lover that she is no longer involved with this infectious offering. ‘DWYW’ is Cyan wearing her heart on her sleeve and making her feelings known.

Cyan makes her music video debut courtesy of Lucid Visuals, effortlessly showcasing her artist presence and unique style. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: Obsidian Cane – JUICE (ft. Lyriqé)

UK music producer OBSIDIAN CANE circles back again with Birmingham’s R&B singer/songwriter Lyriqé for their second collaborative single titled JUICE.

Putting a fresh twist on Mtume’s 80’s soul classic, ‘Juicy Fruit’, Obsidian provides a hefty yet sensuous bassline to allow way for Lyriqé’s alluringly flirtatious vocals to weave into the smooth afterhours arrangements; a sizzling combination that’ll ignite those steamy magical moments between lovers for Valentine’s Day.

‘JUICE’ follows the pair’s well-received first single, I’m Good, championed by the likes of YouKnowIGotSoul, Xune, Soul Addict, and Stereohearts R&B as well as London’s Vibes FM 107.6 Birmingham’s Switch Radio, New York’s Oneluv and Urban Movement in Australia.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Obsidian Cane has produced music for TV shows on Channel 4, BBC1 and BBC2. He also scored a club hit, ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as UK Garage act KP with music producer Paul Benjamin. More recently, Obsidian Cane released his three-track EP, RESET II, which was Champion by BBC London’s Jacqueline Shepherd.

Appearing in a school talent show at the tender age of four, ignited Lyriqé’s strong interest for music. Fast forward to 2015, she released her EP ‘What The Game Needs’ before taking a five year hiatus to garnish and reinvent her sound.

Lyriqé returned, armed with a fresh spin on soulful R&B in 2020 with her single ‘Mine’. Subsequent to the release, she has collaborated with fellow Birmingham artist ‘ChromeZ NeutroN’ on his ‘Silky’ EP (W.A.R.M, C.O.L.D) and has been working on a number of tracks with Obsidian Cane.

The duo built their growing collaboration on their love for R&B and soul music and want to share their take on the genre to R&B fans of all ages.

JUICE is now out across various platforms. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: Struggle Bus – Oleta Frances

Berkshire vocalist OLETA FRANCES‘ first release of the year, ‘Struggle Bus’ is a transparent, heartfelt single based on a previous romantic relationship she had that did not work out, detailing how she felt about the whole experience. She choose the title of the single, to compare a situation that is not good for your mental or physical health, to a bumpy bus journey, where you have the choice to get off the ride or stay on and continue to Struggle.

Oleta Frances has always had a passion for music and it is something that has always been a significant part of her life, but it was only last year that she decided to take the plunge into taking her craft more seriously. This plunge started off by Oleta recording covers to existing songs on Instagram and gaining some traction organically. One of the songs covered by Oleta was a song entitled ‘Picky’ by Joey Montana, which he noticed and shared on his profile. This gave Oleta the confidence and motivation to continue perfecting craft and start creating original songs. In this period, ‘Struggle Bus’ and several other songs were created. In fact, Struggle Bus has already been played twice on BBC Introducing Berkshire last year, prior to its release date last month.

So this is your chance to take in the soulful bounce of ‘Struggle Bus’

Ally Eandi Delivers Heartfelt Break-Up Anthem, ‘Ghost Boy’

Delicately beautiful yet daunting, promising newcomer ALLY EANDI‘s new single, ‘ghost boy’, goes through the process of grieving after a heartfelt break-up, comparing the experience to a death of a close family member. Through her emotive vocal performance, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter ponders whether the one she once called her love, ever crossed her mind.

Since releasing her debut single, ‘My First Dance’ back in June 2021, Ally Eandi was met with instant critical acclaim for her ability to produce emotionally raw yet whimsical lyrics that are often compared to the likes of Girl In Red, Chloe Moriondo, and Olivia Rodrigo.

For her fourth and current single, the teenage songstress has worked with producer Kate Malone (Sam Hunt, Emma White, Alana Springsteen) to bring her well receiving spelling-bounding storytelling further to life.

Have a listen to Ally’s magical offering ‘ghost boy’ below…