Song of the Day: Killing It – Elif Dame

After releasing a slew of singles from 2020 – 2021, it became clear to Amsterdam based singer-songwriter ELIF DAME that her lifelong battle against depression in combination with the pressure to consistently put out new work had taken away the joy she previously felt in releasing and thus decided to go on a long overdue self-care hiatus. In the year that followed, the artist committed herself to prioritizing her own mental health – all while documenting the process.

The result of that hiatus is her upcoming album, Securely Detached. The release showcases the her journey of learning to take back her own life, differentiate her own feelings from the feelings of her surroundings and also about learning to focus on herself instead of pre-occupying her mind with making other people happy and comfortable. Dame confides, “It’s about reframing my co-dependent relationships and about my time on the waitlist to get mental health care. It’s about the important process of learning what it means to put yourself first.”

The album kicked off with the release of ‘Celexa (Buy Me Time)’ where Dame opened up about hitting rock bottom and weighing up the options of going on medication. Now, Elif Dame continues with part two of her story, with her single ‘Killing It’ which focuses on letting go and starting to feel the benefits of medication, all whilst having doubts about being on the precipice of another manic episode. Sonically, ‘Killing It’ features warm, honey-soaked vocals, vibey beats from fellow Amsterdam artist GANZ, and hypnotic melodies which create an all-encompassing atmosphere. Check out the gorgeous single below…

Song of the Day: Diversion – Tamera

Following a slew of incredible collaborations, including a feature on SPINALL’S ‘Honest’ feat. Tay Iwar; ‘I’m So High’ with P-rallel & Toddla T and most recently ‘Options’ with Kamille and Bellah which saw her dip into her garage and pop sensibilities, TAMERA returns with solo single ‘Diversion’ – a lush Aston Rudi and Rise & Shine produced instrumental blending R&B percussion and dreamy synths with her insane vocal talent taking centre stage.

Explaining the meaning behind the single taken from a forthcoming project which she is yet to shed light, Tamera shares: “I had to dig deep to create this song & channel sensitive emotions that usually I would avoid. However the inspiration behind this song came from a time of my life I’d like to think I’ve healed from so writing it wasn’t too hard but ended up being a kind of farewell to that particular version of myself. I dive into codependency, lack of self worth & self sabotage by way of an unhealthy relationship. Confronting myself for doing something I know isn’t good for me but not having the power at the time to leave it behind.

One of the UK’s most exciting and breath-taking talents, Tamera has been tipped by Amazon Music UK as a ‘Ones To Watch’, recognized by YouTube in their #YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2022 alongside the likes of Bree Runway, Kamille, Midwxst, NSG, Omah Lay and more. No stranger to the limelight her effortless ability to transcend genres from Afroswing, reggaeton and Hip Hop whilst feeling authentically R&B has swept up support from DJ Target, Giles Peterson, Annie Mac (New Name), Complex, Nylon, Highsnobiety, i-D, Billboard, Loud and Quiet, The Line of Best Fit and Pop Justice to name a few. In Summer 2022, fans have seen seen Tamera’s killer vocals everywhere from BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, The Great Escape and Strawberries and Creem on the mainstage and her own sold out headline show at COLORS.

Have a listen to ‘Diversion’ below…

Song of the Day: In Your Shoes – Aidan Skira

AIDAN SKIRA wrote ‘In Your Shoes’ at a time when people took advantage of him, mistaken his kindness for weakness; he’s always there when his friends needed a shoulder to cry on, but the gesture was never reciprocated when he needed support.

So Aidan tried putting himself in their shoes, imagining what life would be like if he cared about others in the way they cared for him. Showcasing a brooding fusion in melodic R&B and trap-hop, the message behind ‘In Your Shoes is to simply protect yourself from those who drain your good nature – continue to shine and be that kind person who offers support that those really appreciate it.

Have a listen below…

Eliza Rose Teams Up With The Martinez Brothers For Chicago-Tinged Track ‘Pleasure Peak’.

Double Brit award nominated, platinum selling artist ELIZA ROSE teams up with the incomparable dance music heavyweights The Martinez Brothers for a sizzling new track ‘Pleasure Peak’ – a golden-era Chicago house bass-line which leads listeners into a dance-floor wonderland of sharpened drum programming and hypnagogic synths. The track fervently evolves into a pulsating peak-time anthem, twisting and morphing to the sound of the organ bass with Rose’s tantalising vocal gliding atop the intoxicating new single.

Ahead of the track’s release, Eliza joined Martinez Brothers at their residency at Hï Ibiza where they debuted and performed the track to a huge reception on the legendary balearic dancefloor.

Accompanying the track is an Isaac Lamb directed video shot in Ibiza that takes reference from iconic videos from the likes of Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Kylie and more. Featuring Eliza and The Martinez Brothers in the mad flow of wild day on the white isle, sailing on a yacht, riding in a Jeep and ending up in the club, the contrasting day and night elements that make up an ideal 24 hours in Ibiza also represent the light and dark elements of the track is self.

Speaking on the single, Eliza says: “Pleasure Peak is that sexy Ibiza summer roller. Sharing similar ideals with the island in the sense that it has two sides. The Baleari sunny beach vibe and the hard hitting lose yourself in Ibiza clubland. Throughout the track both the lyrics and beat play with the light and the darkness, the sun and the shade, the glitter ball and the grit. Competing…. whilst at the same time balancing each other out. It was a dream to work with The Martinez Brothers. I have been a fan of theirs for such a long time so to go from seeing them in the rave to a collaboration on track that screams DC:10 is giving serious balearic full circle energy.”

Check out the video for the summer banger below…

OUT TODAY: Listen To Eleanor’s Wistful Single, ‘Former Friend’.

ELEANOR is a singer-songwriter with an R&B leaning sound, coloured in hues of soul and indie. Resonating in a more alternative and folk frequency, ‘Former Friend’ is the latest preview from forthcoming debut EP, A Late Bloom.

Preluding her wistful new single, ‘Former Friend, she explains: “Emotional intimacy requires surrender and interpersonal faith. When a relationship is unsuccessful, it can cause folks to break faith with themselves.”

Eleanor takes a narrative approach to songwriting, leaning on experiences of grief and overcoming to shape stories that are robust and deeply felt. She has recently contributed backup vocals to the published music of Chad Price, Texas King, and Emanuel whose album Alt Therapy was nominated for two JUNO Awards.

‘Former Friend’ was released today (4th August) via various music platforms. Have a listen to this deeply heartfelt piece below…