Song of the Day: Mañana – Xadi (ft. Nina Cobham)

‘Mañana’ was born from a long-standing mutual admiration between West Londoner XADI and Manchester’s Nina Cobham. Their musical chemistry is evident on the track with Nina’s ethereal bilingual vocals sitting atop Xadi’s production perfectly on the hook, and his two reflective, melodic verses proving a perfect complement to that hook.

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, both artists have been extremely productive. Nina’s most recent single ‘Sola’ has amassed almost five million streams on Spotify and picked up support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Jamz Supernova, Children of Zeus and even music icon Christina Aguilera.

Meanwhile Xadi has also had an excellent year. Back in February, Xadi released his second EP project, ‘Day Ends’. The EP and subsequent follow-up singles have received support from Christina Aguilera, Reprezent, NTS, Rinse, No Signal and Foundation FM, and from tastemakers, Twin B, Lily Mercer, Jyoty and Jamz Supernova.

As well as official releases, Xadi also worked hard on putting out a series of Instagram freestyles and covers during the lockdown, which have led to him receiving praise from the likes of Kojey Radical, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn and Jords. His work has also gained attention from the likes of The Guardian, Complex, Off The Block Magazine, The Pit LDN, Have You Heard, Mission Statement Magazine, Yahoo News and the Irish Times.

Check out the video for ‘Mañana’, directed by Kumiko….

Middle Part Shares Brand New Single, ‘Busy’

Andrew Selkōw, who goes under the moniker, MIDDLE PART, shares his brand new  single, ‘Busy’, inspired by early millennium alt pop artists like Michelle Branch and Natalie Imbruglia, with a modernised sonic twist to the likes of Clairo.

Speaking of his latest offering, Selkōw says: “A lot of this record is about ego, vulnerability, and dealing with loss. It’s also about finding a balance with your mental well being. Busy touches on that theme of letting go of your ego and being more vulnerable with the people around you. That’s the message I’m trying to get across, and I feel that ties in with the EP’s title, which is all about being more present rather than mentally checked out.”

‘Busy’ is the third single off Middle Part’s upcoming six-track EP, ‘I Wish I Was Alive’ which is heavily driven by his personal experiences, his shortcomings, his struggle with depression, dissociation and overall loss.

Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: Younger Self – Caitlin Min Fa

Making her presence known on Melbourne’s pop scene, CAITLIN MIN FA drops her debut single ‘Younger Self’. Co-written with Rob Amoruso and Alice Blake, ‘Younger Self’ is an infectious dynamic track, reminding all of us to let go of imperfections and embrace life’s moments more – a message she would tell her younger self.

“It’s so easy to hold yourself back because of insecurities or fear, but if you don’t work through that fear, you’re going to miss out on some pretty great things,” Caitlin explains. “If you give yourself a chance, you’d be surprised of what you’re actually capable of”.

We all need a pick-me-up sometimes…why not check out Caitlin’s ‘Younger Self’ below…

Kandle Unveils New Single, ‘Lock & Load’ + Video

When you hear KANDLE‘s new single, ‘Lock & Load’, you’ll immediately associate it with a 1960s James Bond movie, with its undeniable classical tone and the Canadian singer’s Shirley Bassey-esque vocal performance.

The single came to light after Kandle and her ‘musical soulmate’, producer Michael Rendall, share a deep love of James Bond theme songs and decided to pen ‘Lock & Load, their first writing project together.

Directed by William Fletcher, the accompanied video also takes on the James Bond theme, adopting the intro sequence from 1960’s classic, Gold Finger.

Expect more from Kandle, as she plans to release her album next year…but for now watch the stunning visuals for ‘Lock and Load’…

Song of the Day: Invisible Enemy – Georgia Black

North London’s Blues singer GEORGIA BLACK‘s single, ‘Invisible Enemy’ was written at the very start of the lockdown and was inspired by a conversation Georgia had with a colleague of hers, Roberta – Georgia works as a Learning Support Assistant in a college for her day job.

Roberta said, “Don’t you think it’s crazy that whenever we’re usually unwell, we feel we have to be the hero and push ourselves to go to work, but right now, to be the hero is the other way round?”

This really resonated with Georgia and built up an image in her head of super heroes saving lives by staying at home, which laid the foundation for the song. Sonically ‘Invisible Enemy’ is very theatrical in nature, showcasing cinematic soundscapes reminiscent of something from a Bond movie. Her soulful, sultry vocals bring to mind the likes of Lana Del Rey, whilst the seductive synths emit a mesmerising release.

Have a listen for yourself…hit play on ‘Invisible Enemy’ below…