Song of the Day: Sad Boys – Tamara Grace

Canadian singer-songwriter TAMARA GRACE‘s shimmering pop anthem ‘Sad Boys’, expertly combines her empowered attitude, bold lyricism, and stunning vocals with an immaculately bright, catchy sound.

Tamara was drawn to music at a young age and would describe herself as “shy girl with a big dream”. As a toddler, her parents recite her constantly tapping her fingers over a paper piano she came across in a magazine and reciting jingles played on the television. Her love for music was a natural development. She grew up surrounded by various music styles such as Pop, R&B, Hip Hop/Rap, Jazz, Country and Classical, all of which have hugely influenced her sound today.

Using her music as a platform to maintain a conversation on mental health, Tamara Grace frequently finds solace in song writing and is not afraid to address and share her own personal aperture. Speaking more on this, Tamara Grace states:

“I was often bullied as a child, which made me grow up with insecurities and developing anxiety and depression. Rather than hanging out with friends, I would find myself alone in my bedroom. I’d write my feelings and thoughts down in my journal. It was a safe place, where I had full control of what was around me. I never spoke about my feelings to anyone, including my family and friends so writing was my way of coping with my emotions. Journals quickly evolved into songs and poetry at the age of 8. It started with me using my hands to create a simple beat. And with that alone, I would write a melody.”

After years of jotting down her emotions into her journal, Tamara began taking her song writing craft more seriously at 11, when she wrote her first song ‘Rainbow’. Using music to help acknowledge her emotions, heal anxiety, depression and discover who she is, Tamara hopes that her music will have the same effect on others.

Now, returning with ‘Sad Boys’, Tamara showcases the crafty and mature songwriter she has become. Speaking more on the release, Tamara explained:

“Sad boys” is a part of a miniseries called “Welcome Class of 2005”. This song is the first part of the 3-part song series. “Sad Boys” speaks about a girl who has quite a reputation for being the girl that every boy wants. For amusement, she enjoys flirting and seducing boys she finds she can take advantage of. Whenever she comes out empty, she stomps on their hearts and moves on to the next boy in line. One day, the boys overheard each other’s conversations and realized they’ve all gotten their hearts broken by the same girl. They start to hang out, compare notes and all decide to plot a revenge scheme on her. They agreed the best way for her to learn her lesson is to use her own plan against her. The scheme is a huge success, and she suffers as a result. Broken-hearted, she exits the school grounds and heads home to her bedroom. She grabs her teddy bear, Stella, and spends her days and nights screaming and crying till she feels emotionally numb.

Tamara looks to 2021 with positive energy as it’s set to be a huge year for the young singer songwriter. Check her out below…

Romy Dya Unveils Video For Single, ‘Use U’, Featuring K1D

Dutch singer ,songwriter and producer, ROMY DYA has revealed the official video for ‘Use U’ with K1D, directed by Djodjo Pongo and shot by Cherry Visuals.

Lifted from her debut LP, I FKN LOVE MYSELF, ‘Use U’ is about giving off low vibrations and filling up that emptiness you feel inside post break-up; dating or having a one-night-stand when you still have to work on yourself. Together with Belgian-based rapper K1D, Romy also shows the male perspective.

‘I FKN LOVE MYSELF’ is a memoir of the trials and tribulations that she has faced throughout her life and a reminder to love herself unconditionally. Combining R&B, Soul, Jazz and Pop, Romy has already been working hard behind the scenes, with cuts on records from Ghostface Killah to Martin Garrix.

The latest focus track follows on from singles ‘She’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Unspoken’, ‘RomCom’ & ‘What Is Love’. Check out the official video for ‘Use u’ below…

Song of the Day: Same Window – Nick Brewer x Phil Simmonds

Continuing their burgeoning musical alliance, UK Hip Hop vocalist, NICK BREWER‘s (pictured) and critically acclaimed songwriter and producer, Phil Simmonds’ second single together, ‘Same Window’, elicits the same soulful yet expressive sound the two talented artists have forged across their collaboration. The flow of effortless vocals from Nick and the production prowess of Phil makes for a unique project that’s hard to ignore. The track is taken from their 5-track EP collaboration, out now.

The second single to my upcoming EP alongside Phil Simmonds contains the first lyrics written in the first lockdown last year. That feeling of being stuck in the same spot, not knowing where to move to, but a feeling of hope deep down – Nick Brewer

Prolific British songwriter and record producer, Phil Simmonds began his career as a live musician and later musical director for major players such as Jessie J, Angel Haze, Zak Abel and Leona Lewis. Finding his strength in collaborations and producing full projects, Phil then went on to produce Eryn Allen Kane’s critically acclaimed ‘A Tree Planted By Water’ project as well as the debut album for Lily Papas and further writing/producing credits for Prince Fox, Olivia O’Brien, Iyamah, Desi Valentine, Stan Taylor and a host of others.

Gaining widespread acclaim in 2015 for his UK top 20 single ‘Talk To Me’ featuring Bibi Bourelly, East London based rapper, Nick Brewer has continued to solidify his presence within UK grime since he burst onto the scene in 2010 and quickly became known for his ability to effortlessly flow with tongue-swirling efficiency.

With a steady stream of releases over the last decade, Nick has worked alongside some of the UK’s largest names in the industry, including Stormzy, Naomi Scott, Little Simz, George the Poet, Barney Artist, Ruby Maze, Kinnship and Tink who featured on his 2015 ‘Warning Light’ EP.

This versatile collaborative project between Nick Brewer and Phil Simmonds showcases a different side to their creativity, an exciting taster of what’s to come. Check out ‘Same Window’ below…

‘Reflect’ With Jessie Lee’s Brand New Single

JESSIE LEE eases us into the beginning of the week with her brand new soft pop ballad titled ‘Reflect’. Greeted with magical strings and harmonies, ‘Reflect’ is all about trying to process what’s happening internally while going through difficult times.

The latest offering is designed to release any life’s troubles, encouraging all of us to transport to a happy place.

“For me that means being submerged in nature, ” says Jessie of her single. “A safe space to be reflecting on my thoughts and feelings. Whether that’s through journaling, meditation or anything you do to ease your mind, I hope it inspires you to reflect.”

So have a listen to ‘Reflect’ and delve deep into your thoughts…

Rain To Rust Returns With Collaborative Single, ‘Dead Violets Night’

Following on from albums, ‘Flowers Of Doubt’ (2019) and ‘Stillborn Flowers’ (2020), Mert Yıldız – otherwise known as RAIN TO RUST – has join forces with artist N.L.P for single, ‘Dead Violets Night.’

The song is a rewriting of a song off Rain To Rust’s ‘Stillborn Flowers’ album: new instrumentation, new lyrics and a new approach. It’s built on analog synth lines and the vocal interplay between two artists with Peter Hook-laden bass leads on top. The result is a catchy and modernised version of a sound that harkens back to a time where Post-Punk bands decided to move into electronica waters.

Rain To Rust is the brainchild of former Dead Man’s Dream and Rhythm 0 guitarist, whereas N.L.P. is the moniker of Istanbul-based Matt Loftin. Since playing with Housing Crash & Foton Kusagi, he’s decided to move into Post-Punk territory – so far he has released three singles.

Although both acts are focusing on their own releases for 2021, ‘Dead Violets Night’ may be the first in line of a series of collaborations…have a listen to the single below…