Song of the Day: Circles – Velvet Skyline

Texas-based modern alternative rock band, VELVET SKYLINE uses music as forms of escape and therapy, using strong and vivid themes and imagery to celebrate empowerment, tackle past trauma and to show strength in uncertain times.

Their new single, ‘Circles’ introduces their upcoming LP, ‘What We Have In Common’, alternating between tranquil intimate soundscapes and roaring influences of 90s-inspired progressive rock and grunge, all brought together by frontwoman Taylor Seerden soothing vocals.

Why not get the first taste of their album, slated for release next Monday (15th February).

OUT TODAY: Listen To Céline & The Blue’s Single, ‘Crave Love’

Known for producing uplifting soulful jazz numbers, CÉLINE AND THE BLUE decided to start the New Year with a slightly fresh sound…

Showcasing the jazz quintet as multifaceted musicians, their brand new single, ‘Crave Love’ boasts splashes of soul, trickles of rock elements, and jazzy cadences, which explores emotions such as helplessness, vulnerability, and grief. The song was initially about heartbreak, but soon transformed into a sweet melancholy representing the current trying times, where craving love is the ultimate in vain endeavour.

Out today on download and streaming platforms, ‘Crave Love’, is the last single before their EP’s release this year…why not have a listen to ‘Crave Love’ below…

 

 

 

 

 

Song of the Day: Be That Man – Like Tye

After the undeniable chemistry formed between R&B artists, Tyler Rivers, and Ty Rome, when they collaborated on their well-received single ‘Better Than My Ex’, the artists are now back as a duo under a brand new moniker that goes by LIKE TYE.

With creative energies taking a back foot for many artists during the pandemic lockdowns, the duo spent countless hours in the studio refining their sound and ultimately creating a uniquely vibrant brand. Their debut single ‘Be That Man’, is one bonafide R&B/pop tune fuelled with inspired and storytelling lyrics over an R&B throwback-inspired instrumental.

“We wrote this track from the perspective of a person in a relationship where they realise they need to step up before they lose what they have. The beat had that throwback vibe so we were inspired to write something that suited those early 2000’s R&B tracks.” – Like Tye.

‘Be That Man’ is now out on all download and streaming sites. Check it out below…

EP Review: Nightshades – Herbivores

Picking up right where they left off on their self-titled debut EP, which was released back in the summer to rave reviews and strong support from tastemakers such as SoulBounce, Gigwise and SingersRoom, prolific Brooklyn neo-soul collective HERBIVORES  have unveiled their sophomore EP and second project of the year titled ‘Nightshades’.

Written by all four members, Bel-Ami, Reddaz, Misha Savage and Will Sacks, the EP invites you into a lush offering of featherlight neo soul paired with unmatched powerhouse performance.

Second offering, ‘Mama Nose’ stills retains their signature sound but the second-to-none vocal performance gives the arrangements a reggae riddim twist. ‘Boomerang’ possess a spirit of Southern soul: the confident guitar plucks leads the way in the track, later joined by the infectious bounce of the bass and gleeful trumpets, pulled together by gusty vocals that really hits the spot.

A bed of airy electronica-ish backdrop is added to their neo soul vibe in the latter part of the set, creating a real intimate and euphoric experience.

Now I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never heard of these guys before this EP – but I’m glad I did as the name Herbivores will be firmly on my radar for 2021. Have a listen to ‘Nightshades’ – I have a sneaky feeling that they’ll be on your musical radar too.

Must Listen: Walk Away

Song of the Day: Rabbit Hole – Substance Abuse (ft. Eric Steuer)

Los Angeles hip-hop duo SUBSTANCE ABUSE‘s single, ‘Rabbit Hole’, sees Subz and Eso Tre drop verses that break down the surreality of the modern world. Built on a foundation of cinematic ’70s soul, the track was produced by longtime collaborator Waes One and features guest emcee Eric Steuer.

“Rabbit Hole is a song for the times we’re in,” Eso says. “It’s about having fortitude and perseverance when there are devilish functions trying to pull you down. Whether it’s a counterproductive ideology or a corrupt government or just your own self doubt, it’s about not being swayed by the favorable and unfavorable circumstances that we all find ourselves in, and not being influenced by immediate, short-term considerations of gain or loss. We’re honored to have our good friend Eric to rap on this track because he’s one of the dopest and most cerebral emcees out there, and he’s been with us since ground zero when we dropped our first underground tape many moons ago.

Former URB Next 100 picks, Substance Abuse’s 2006 album, ‘Overproof’ features MF DOOM, Saafir, P.E.A.C.E., Kool Keith, Motion Man, Kutmasta Kurt and Rasco. ‘Overproof’ is followed up by their 2012 project ‘Background Music’ which features Myka Nyne, Tash of Tha Alkaholiks, KRS-One, MC Eiht and Percee P.

Check out ‘Rabbit Hole’ below…