Ricardo Williams returns with ‘Are We Good,’ an emotional bop exploring the complexities of love

It’s not a comeback, it’s not a return.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter RICARDO WILLIAMS never really went anywhere. He just decided to give other aspects of his life, like his family and the birth of his two new children, a little more attention.

I’ve been embracing life and stepping away to gain more experiences,” Ricardo explains. “Now, I’m back and better equipped to showcase my art.” ‘Are We Good’ is the first of many new songs to come, an honest story of love and relationships, told in Ricardo’s signature style.

“It’s an emotional bop,” Ricardo says. “If you’re not really listening to the words, you might not realize the depth of emotion in the lyrics. But in typical Ricardo fashion, I come out the bridge at the end of the song, pouring my heart out on my sleeve with lush R&B vocals.”

‘Are We Good’ was released on all digital streaming platforms on 1st October, Ricardo’s birthday. It marks the beginning of a new phase in his life and career.

Quote from Ricardo:

“I’m not calling it a comeback. I never really went anywhere. I just decided to give other aspects of life more attention, like my family and my kids. Now, I’m back and better equipped to showcase my art. ‘Are We Good’ is the first of many to come. It’s an honest story of love and the complexities of relationships. The song was out on October 1st, which is my birthday, and I really wanted to put something out on my birthday to kind of signal the next phase of my life.”

Connect with Ricardo Williams via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/iamricardowilliams
X: https://x.com/iamricardow
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamricardowilliams

‘Trust The Process’ with Farazo Stanzy’s new EP

Kenneth Medenu – otherwise known as FARAZO STANZY – has always motivated the youth in his hometown in Ghana and also adopted that into his music with a string of singles, ‘Stay Strong’ (see accompanied video below), ‘Proud of Mama’, ‘Superstar’ and ‘Why Me’. His words of encouragement, along with the slick soundscapes of the Motherland, has recently earned him a nomination for the 2024 VMEA Awards as Best Afrobeat Artist Of The Year.

Now the promising upcoming artist returns with EP, ‘Trust The Process’, which consists of six tracks, which continues to uplift his community despite the trials and tribulations that life sometimes presents. ‘Trust The Process’ EP is out now via Audiomack for your pleasure…why not listen right here.

Must Listens: I’m Healing, Don’t Disappoint Me, Why Me,

Follow Farazo Stanzy via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094734112975&mibextid=LQQJ4d
IG: https://www.instagram.com/farazo_stanzy/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farazostanzy

Song of the Day: I Was There – The Grand Cru

International award-winning songwriting team, THE GRAND CRU (comprising of Welsh and American talent) have shared a brand new album, entitled ‘September 11th – Music To Heal Your Soul’.

The Grand Cru includes ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead, Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard) and ex member of The Story’s and Balsamo/Deighton. Also on ‘The Cru’ is multi-award winning Welsh singer/songwriter Darren Parry who’s a former UK Songwriting Contest winner, Billboard, Unisong, ISSA and USA Song Of The Year award winner (who’s co-written with The Korgis, Dan and Laura Curtis and others).

The third Welshman is Rhondda’s multi-talented Lee Gilbert who is an acclaimed singer /actor. His 25 yr career has spanned from Theatre, Radio and TV work which runs alongside his very busy music career. The fourth member and brainchild of ‘The Cru’ is Florida based Bonnie Skop, who’s family has a long history in music; including her Dad managing Ted Nugent and Bob Seger in their early days! The Grand Cru get their name from the French words… meaning “a wine of the most superior grade”. These songwriters are certainly that!

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the album go to support the Enlisted Association Of The National Guard of The United States (EANGUS). EANGUS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the status, welfare and professionalism of Enlisted members of the National Guard and has a constituency base of over 450,000 soldiers and airmen, their families, as well as over 350,000
retired members/veterans.

Darren says… “Steve, Lee, Bonnie and I have written the album predominantly on Zoom over the last two years or so having been approached by The National Guard via a contact of Bonnie’s in the US. We have donated six of our songs to the cause but have written bespoke songs including “I Was There””.

Steve says…‘I Was There’ is a very emotional song about the morning of 9/11 in New York. The song focuses on three different characters… one female character is going to work in New York that morning, another character is a guy taking a flight from New Jersey to San Francisco”. Lee continues… “the third character is a child who fortunately sleeps late so he’s not on time for school. You’ve gotta listen to it, it’s a real emotional rollercoaster of a song”!

‘I Was There’ was performed by The Cru for the EANGUS 9/11 Remembrance Gala at The One World Trade Centre building in New York on 11th September this year for a star-studded event, hosted by Kelsey Grammer (of hit show Frasier).

‘I Was There’ and ‘September 11th – Music To Heal Your Soul’ album are out now. Why not watch the video for the emotive single, featuring the three Welsh talent.

Connect with The Grand Gru:
http://www.darrenparry.com
http://www.stevebalsamomusic.com
http://www.leegilbertmusic.co.uk

OUT TODAY: Handshake In Space returns with single, ‘The Sky Is Yours’.

Following his recent release of single, ‘You Make Me Feel’, which claimed the blog’s Song of the Week top spot, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is back with a new single that promises to take listeners to new heights. The single, titled ‘The Sky is Yours’, is out today ( 20th September) and is a vibrant addition to the artist’s already impressive catalogue.

‘The Sky is Yours’ is a euphoric anthem that combines HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s signature mix of powerful beats and emotional lyrics. The song is an invitation to let go of the darkness of everyday life and instead embrace the light and freedom on the dance floor. With lyrics like “When the sunny day is tinged with gray, And there is no place where you want to stay” and “The sky is yours, don’t you see?” the song conveys a message of community, self-expression and seizing life’s moments.

“This song is about finding the light in the dark and daring to let go. Sometimes we can feel stuck in our own thoughts and feelings, but music has an incredible ability to lift us out of it,” says HANDSHAKE IN SPACE about his new single. “I hope ‘The Sky is Yours’ becomes a song that people can relate to and that makes them want to dance and live life to the fullest.”

Since his breakthrough, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE has become a name to reckon with on the international EDM scene. With his unique blend of electronic soundscapes and engaging storytelling, he has quickly built a loyal fan base worldwide.

The single ‘The Sky is Yours’ is out today (20th September) on all major streaming platforms. Don’t miss the chance to take part in a song that will make you dance the night away and see life with new eyes…

Connect with HANDSHAKE IN SPACE via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/handshakeinspace
IG: https://www.instagram.com/handshake_in_space
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handshakeinspace

OUT TODAY: Clara Pople shares self-empowerment single, ‘Hot Moon’.

CLARA POPLE‘s brand new single, ‘Hot Moon’ broods a strong atmospheric drive, soothed over by her delicately light vocals which creates a laid-back and magical experience. If you’re unfamiliar with Clara Pople, she is a promising indie pop/trip-hop artist from North West of England, that’s well and truly connected with nature and her latest single mirrors that bond, the chaotic energy that a Full Moon brings – and her resilience in carving a name for herself in the challenging music industry.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Hot Moon’, Clara Pople shares: “This is my empowerment anthem for all women and people who can feel overpowered by the forces of nature. Hot Moon is a song about the ebbing and flowing tides of being a woman. How nature can control our mood and how, whilst infuriating, we just have to give in sometimes and let the madness take over.”

Crediting her upbringing in a family of strong women and her education at an all-girls school for instilling a sense of resilience, Clara she feels confident and empowered enough to navigate a path into the music scene, her way and on her terms. She created The Boat Gigs, which have quickly become a word-of-mouth sensation in London’s underground scene. The gigs, which feature a lineup of three emerging artists, have become a lifeline for musicians looking to play in a supportive environment without the usual pressures of self-promotion.

South Cumbria-born Clara came up with the idea of The Boat Gigs after moving onto a boat. She envisioned turning the intimate and airy space into a venue. What began as a personal experiment has blossomed into a vibrant monthly event, situated at St Pancras Old Church in London, where Clara will be performing at tonight’s (19th September) headline show.

She explains: “Hosting gigs on the boat just felt natural. I needed a venue where I could headline, so I thought, why not create my own show every month and build a community around it? It’s been incredible seeing how these gigs are helping other emerging artists as well. They’re the OG form of what a gig should be—built-in crowd, guaranteed pay, and a chance to connect with like-minded musicians.”

With the release of ‘Hot Moon’ – out today (19th September) – across various music platforms – and her thriving boat gigs, Clara Pople proves there is room for creating music that’s true to oneself, while building a strong community of like-minded musicians. Why not listen to ‘Hot Moon’ below…

Connect with Clara Pople via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ClaraPopleMusic/
X: https://x.com/clarapoplemusic
IG:https://www.instagram.com/clarapoplemusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_clara_pople