It’s been a while since artist/producer BEKREATIVE has been in the spotlight…but by no means he’s been sitting idle.
During his time away from the music scene KrBreative, who’s known for dropping R&B and hip-hop slick cuts, has reinvented himself as an artist by experimenting with array of genres, including country music – wow, I didn’t see that coming!
So expect a string of surprises from this guy plus an EP, ‘King of Time’ coming out at some point this year…in the meantime, check out his larger-than-life, trap-infused single, ‘Roadtrip’…
Bristol-based emerging stars vocalist ALAMAY and OMAR CASSIUS (fka skiimsk) announce their second self-produced EP How tTo Swim, dropping 13th July 2022, and share the heady and soulful single ‘Overnight’. The follow up to their debut release, Aurora, and their lauded Boiler Room debut, ‘Overnight’ is a heart-rending track, with Alamay reflecting candidly on past relationships. A gorgeous, melancholic slice of R&B produced by Omar Cassius, his minimalist percussion, sparse sparkling guitar and brooding bass provide the perfect backdrop for Alamay’s heartfelt vocals.
Gaining an education in Soul and Jazz from an early age, Alamay’s style draws on inspiration from these rich, timeless sounds as well as her Ethiopian heritage. One of Bristol’s most promising new talents, Alamay is bringing a refreshing take on modern R&B/Soul. She first entered the scene in 2019 with her collaborative project with Omar Cassius, Aurora, followed by a track entitled ‘Miirror’ featuring KNWGD in 2020, and made serious waves with her impressive live Boiler Room set, performing alongside deconstructed club titans, Giant Swan and Jabu. Already gaining tastemaker support and a dedicated fan-base, Alamay has laid the foundations for many more impressive projects to come.
Bristol-born artist Omar Cassius (fka skiimsk) entered the scene in 2019 with his collaborative debut EP alongside Alamay titled Aurora. As co-founder of the 1999 platform (a Bristol-based creative collective) he can be found working on multiple other projects – often behind the scenes – with other budding creatives in the city’s buzzing, tight-knit community. To date, most of his creative output and contributions have been his carefully honed, intricate productions. However, How to Swim EP sees the rising artist making his first foray into contributing vocals and bars on releases, with his sights set on further collaborative and solo projects.
Have a listen to the pair’s stunning single below…
Reggae/Dancehall duo SONZ OF THUNDER UK (SOTUK) are back, offering more words of wisdom and encouragement, with new single ‘Eagles Wings.’
Dropping one tough classic reggae riddim, ‘Eagles Wings’ reminds us, although they were some hard and dark times during the Pandemic, if we put our trust in the Most High, we will always rise above obstacles – just like an eagle gliding high above the mountains.
For over a decade, SOTUK – consisting of brothers Shane and Dean Brown – has been spreading the words of inspiration across the UK which earned them a steady following in the gospel and mainstream communities as well as receiving continuous support by the likes of Capital Xtra’s Ras Kwame, BBC London, Pluse88 Radio, The Beat 1036 plus many more.
The North-West Londoners also have built strong connections in Ghana, working alongside with Ghanaian producer Quansty K who produced their previous single, ‘House Party’, supported by Jeremiah Asiamah on BBC Radio One and BBC 1xtra.
Although it has been a quiet year for SOTUK, the guys scooped the best reggae act in the TMMP awards in 2021. Their first official release since the pandemic, ‘Eagles Wings’, marks a new and exciting chapter of great things to come from SOTUK.
Following his debut on the blog with his 2020 EP, ‘The Silence Vol.’ which make it on the #4 spot on New Lease Music’s Top Ten album of 2021, South Africa’s producer/artist, BLESSIN F circles back with his first release of the year titled, ‘I’m Sorry’, a gleeful blend of hip-hop, afrobeat wit a Latin flair. 7
MEAR is an indie pop collaboration between singer-songwriter Frances Miller and electronic composer Greg Harrison. Together, their music combines catchy melodies and poignant lyrics with their shared love of experimental music. Miller and Harrison met while working at the music venue Massey Hall in Toronto and began collaborating shortly thereafter by sending tracks back and forth over social media.
“Some memories help propel us forward while others cling to us so tightly that they bind us in place,” Mear shares about triumphant ‘Second Sight,’ their latest release from forthcoming album Soft Chains, coming out 22nd April . “This song is about someone who is grappling with a memory that holds them back. It’s about a confrontation and making it out on the other side.”
Watch the video for ‘Second Sight,’ integrating dance artist Katherine Semchuk’s choreography with animator Kristen-Innes Stambolic’s vision.
New Lease Music 