Pop/neo soul songbird Megzz goes ‘Through The Motions’ with latest EP

With sold-out gigs, music video directing credits, a performance at All Points East, and an Amazon Prime documentary under her belt, Northamptonshire singer-songwriter MEGZZ topped off a stellar year with her EP ‘Through the Motions’.

Blending her own mix of R&B, neo-soul, and pop, Megzz has taken 2023 by the horns by releasing two singles off her upcoming EP after featuring as one of the subjects of the Amazon Prime documentary ‘Unsigned’ (following the journeys of AMEX’s unsigned artists) at the end of 2022. Believing music is a powerful therapy to herself & others, Megzz’s lyricism focuses on empowerment, self-love and transparency around mental health struggles.

“The EP is an unapologetically honest and personal body of work that explores themes of consent, boundaries and self-love, grief, mental health struggles, and most importantly – recovery”, Meggz said. “Though it explores difficult topics, Through The Motions remains empowering and inspiring; encouraging others to find strength in expressing their feelings and owning their own story.”

Through the Motions will feature two brand new tracks, including ‘Motions’, a song that Megzz has held close to her heart for years. Written in 2019 as a personal mantra before becoming lyrics, ‘Motions’ is described by Megzz as “the sunset on the bad days, and the sunrise on the good days”. Rather than being written reflectively, ‘Motions’ is about the present “going through” of mental health struggles and dealing with how “horrible, uncomfortable feelings come in waves, and it’s all about riding out those waves”. Waves and the sound of water are an integral part of Through the Motions, as the EP is all about going through the motions, allowing feelings, and taking power in the process.

Through The Motions is accompanied by the release of short documentary style video, documenting Megzz’s journey of creating the EP whilst battling with her own mental health struggles. EP Through the Motions will is out now via various music platforms. Check it out below…

Must Listens: Love Me From A Distance

Eleanor unveils her highly-anticipated debut EP, ‘A Late Bloom’

ELEANOR is a singer-songwriter with an R&B leaning sound, coloured in hues of soul and indie. She takes a narrative approach to songwriting, based on experiences of grief and overcoming to shape stories that are robust and deeply felt.

“I make music because it would be harder not to, it’s a very natural extension of my personhood,” says the artist, whose debut album, ‘A Late Bloom’, has come to fruition. “I hope that in being honest on this project, listeners will feel less alone.” Largely produced by 3x JUNO nominated artist John Fellner, stream it in full here.

The mini set includes previously released singles, ‘Make Sense’ (which claimed the Song of the Week title last December) ‘Waste My Time’, and ‘Former Friend’. With guitar plucks giving a rich soulful sound, debut single, ‘Make Sense’ chronicles a conversation with her mother, reflecting on the frustration that comes with not reaching certain milestones ‘on time,’ such as marriage and home ownership.

Processing a mesmerically hypnotic backdrop, ‘Waste My Time’ was inspired by a friendship that was tiptoeing into a relationship, whereas ‘Former Friend’ leans towards a folklore feel, reflecting on self-worth when a friendship comes to an end

The closing track, ‘Faintest Hope’, is both beautiful and unsettling, a cry for hope from a vacant and barren tundra.

‘A Late Bloom’ was released last Friday, 6th October across various music platforms below…have a listen below…

Must Listens: Make Sense, Former Friend, Bow, Faintest Hope

Charlie Dane mourns a loss of a love in ‘Shiva’

Singer/songwriter/producer CHARLIE DANE‘s new single ‘SHIVA’ takes the idea of “sitting shiva”, a jewish tradition of mourning the deceased, and turns it on its head, relaying the emotions of sitting with a significant other you know you’re about to lose.

With emotive lyrics paired hip-hop inspired hi hats and lush EDM synths, which can be compared to Amelia Moore, ‘SHIVA’ will soon be accompanied by a self-produced music video, which depicts charlie’s past relationships in which her efforts were not reciprocated and the impending break-up ensues.

Charlie Dane has been putting out original music since she was 10 years old, and has been producing her own music and videos since studying at Berklee College of Music. Since graduating she’s moved to Los Angeles to carve her name in the entertainment industry.

Have a listen to ‘SHIVA’ below…

Song of the Day: True (Live) – Ryan Hylton

As part of Platoon’s new EP, ‘A UK Gospel Celebration,’ rising star RYAN HYLTON exclusively shares his single ‘True,’ a musical creation that delves deep into the human experience. The song’s powerful message resonates with the challenges individuals face when chasing success, compelling listeners to question their relationship with fame and materialistic desires.

Hailing from London, UK, Ryan Hylton made a dynamic entrance onto the music scene with the release of his EP, ‘Journey, in May 2020.’ These heartfelt songs deeply resonated with audiences, showcasing Ryan’s exceptional talent and conveying profound messages.

Later in 2020, Ryan Hylton unveiled his highly anticipated debut studio album, ‘Legacy.’ This remarkable album achieved notable success, reaching the 13th position on the UK Apple Charts for Gospel music. It was a testament to Ryan’s ability to connect with his listeners and deliver music that strikes a chord.
Influenced by renowned artists like Jonathan McReynolds, Justin Bieber, Tauren Wells, H.E.R., and homegrown talents Ernie Toppin and Nathan Palmer, Ryan has crafted his own unique musical style. He draws inspiration from their exceptional talent, infusing his songs with powerful messages of faith and hope.

‘True’ serves as a compelling invitation to navigate life’s journey and discover what genuinely matters. Drawing inspiration from the evolving sounds of Justin Bieber, Ryan infuses his music with a refreshing summer vibe, expertly blending funky grooves and infectious choruses. Through his captivating melodies, Ryan instils a sense of hope and embarks on a quest for personal truth and authenticity.
In the words of Ryan himself, “You’re my strength when life’s tough, my identity in you is worth more than fame.”

‘True’ weaves a fresh and crisp pop-woven vibe throughout, with Ryan’s melodies and lyricism providing a harmonious and relatable cause for his audience and beyond. His soft and luscious vocals provide the perfect platform for Ryan to shine, and he does so in spades in ‘True,’ further showcasing his talent and affirming his potential as one of the most influential Christian artists of our time.

Have a listen to Ryan’s stunning single below…

Arlo Maverick shows gratitude for ‘Day Ones’ in new video

Canadian hip-hop artist ARLO MAVERICK is sharing a new video for his track, ‘Day Ones,’ a song of appreciation for all the people in his life that have supported him since the beginning. The soulful trap-inflected tune will appear on his forthcoming album, Blue Collar, slated for release 20th October 2023.

A detour from Maverick’s cerebral rhymes and biting commentary, he switches up his usual flow to flex his singing skills while offering a simple message: appreciate and hold the loyal people in your life close. The video features a montage of friends, family, and loved ones over the years. Appropriately arriving ahead of Thanksgiving weekend, it’s a tender show of thanks to the community that lifted him up – and the haters that made him stronger – in his quest to make something out of nothing.

“The music video features archival footage of people who were on or tied to a label we ran in the 2000s, called Music For Mavericks, including members of Politic Live, Kreesha Turner, and others,” said Arlo Maverick. “We were a family in a lot of ways and we all keep in touch so I thought it was fitting to centre this video around them. Everyone at the table is part of this legacy. With hip-hop celebrating 50 years, this video in some ways pays tribute to Edmonton’s hip-hop history by showing some of today’s leaders in the culture like K-Riz and Mouraine when they were first starting out.”

While the previously-released Blue Collar single, ‘Night Shift,’ revealed the hard work and sacrifice of those working to get ahead, ‘Day Ones’ shows the importance of appreciating the people who have stood by through it all.

As Maverick says, “For entrepreneurs, the road to success is extremely lonely, but there are always the handful of people who help you achieve your goals. This song acknowledges and celebrates them. I hope this song gets listeners into a thankful mood to show gratitude to the people that have always had your back.”

Check out the video for ‘Day Ones’ below…