Song of the Day: Mango – Vadé

Largely known for solely utilising their spine tingling harmonies, which captivated listeners of all walks of life from across the globe, UK’s very own A cappella quartet VADÉ (pronounced vah-day), have taken a fruitful route with their latest single, ‘Mango’, out now across various music platforms.

2023 sees the guys venturing out and experimenting with various genres and they certainly push their creative boundaries to new grounds with ‘Mango’, by incorporating a summer-charged instrumental – a vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and R&B – to complement their infamous harmonies.

They said of their latest offering, which was featured on BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Berkshire: “We wanted a song that represented who we are as well as something that captured fundamental parts of our lives, so we came up with Mango, combining the exotic fruit with culture and how the sweetness of it relates to the fondness of a partner.”

The lyrics capture in simplicity some of the things the guys love about their partners: “You’re not the fighting type/baby you’re sweet and fine/ you got my back when i need it/ you be my ride or die!” Similarly, the single also describes how they liken this love to the sweetness of some of the foods and drink synonymous with their Afro-Caribbean culture, “You’re sweeter than Fanta oh, plantain and pineapple!”

Vadé was formed by Philip Yeboah and JJ Hammersley in the summer of 2013 and was later joined by Jermaine Sanderson and Roy Crisp. Their aim is to encourage listeners to reimagine today’s hits and timeless classics through a cappella by collaborating with other artists and together. Their mission paid off as Vadé have quickly captured the attention of music lovers all around the world. Since late 2021, they have accumulated over 16M views of their musical arrangements across their social media channels and have engaged with their fans through duets on TikTok.The evolution of Vadé’s sound progressed in the summer of 2022 while collaborating with Erik “Blu2th” Griggs, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and multi-platinum producer for Dr. Dre and Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men. The result was their first festive single, ‘Christmas Wish’ was released in November 2022.Vadé continues to explore new music styles through their debut EP later this year…until then, the guys gives an exotic taste from their forthcoming collection with ‘Mango’, out now across all music download and streaming sites.

Follow Vadé via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vadesings/
T: https://twitter.com/vadesings
IG: https://www.instagram.com/vade/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vadesings

Dreamtronica Duo Belau Returns With Feel-Good Single, ‘Focus’ ft. Myra Monoka

One of European’s most promising electronia duo BELAU returns with a new single called ‘Focus’ featuring one of their tour singer, Myra Monoka.

The guys speaking of their new offering: “Millions of people are interested in what methods help us distinguish between what serves us and what we form in ourselves based on reflexes, traumas and conventions. In the mysticism that is the basis of all great historical religions, there are a few universal solutions that help us navigate in this world and what can give effect to our decisions. Meditation, fasting and acceptance of fate through overcoming our fears are common denominators. People have forgotten these, but if we rediscover everything that humanity has already realized, it is quite sure that we are on the right track. What serves us lies on the other side of what we fear”

In five years, they had more than 200 live performances in 25 countries. The debut LP, ‘The Odyssey’ won the Hungarian Grammy in best electronic music album category. Their long-awaited sophomore album, titled Colourwave, made their name on international level, now they release ‘Focus’ featuring Myra Monoka, which will be the part of their new album ‘Apriori’ out on 27th of October. Check it out below…

916 returns with track, ‘Wants & Needs’ + video

916 have drop their sensational new single ‘Wants & Needs’ alongside the stunning visuals directed by illpressions.

The tantalising new single masterfully blends the timeless charm of late 90’s/early 00’s’ R&B and hip-hop mixed with an original twist. With the smooth melodies and irresistible hook delivered by Nikz, partnered with signature quick-witted raps from Booda, combine to teleport listeners back to a golden era of music.

Pushing the 916 movement to new heights this year, the Oxford based collective continue to serve fans with feel good music that suits all occasions. From the car to the club, playing this record is a must! Hit the play button on video for ‘Wants & Needs’ below…

Alt Pop Duo Lucky Iris Share Their Hotly-Tipped Ep, ‘maybe i’m too much’

Following a wave of tastemaker hype and fresh off the back of having a sync on Love Island, Leeds based alt-pop duo LUCKY IRIS release their hotly anticipated new EP ‘maybe i’m too much’.

Released alongside the new single and title track ‘maybe i’m too much’, Maeve and Jasper (the duo behind Lucky Iris) continue to capitalise on the mass acclaim coming their way from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Radio X and Earmilk. Making infectious multi-faceted soundscapes that blend melodic hooks with alternative electronics and rich musicality, the duo make music to dance or cry to as they tread through lessons learnt in love and friendships.

Written and produced by the duo, and mixed by Richard Wilkinson (Adele, Kaiser Chiefs) and mastered by Antony Ryan (Oh Wonder), the new single ‘maybe i’m too much’ is another fine addition to Lucky Iris’ glittering catalogue. Blending punching lo-fi electronic beats with glitching arpeggiators and washing synth pads, the pair create a glimmering alt-pop soundscape for the silky and understated lead vocal to glide above. Capturing a striking commercial edge with its bouncing beats and earworm vocal melodies, ‘maybe i’m too much’ is radiantly relatable and likeable.

Speaking on the track the band share: “This song is for anyone who’s ever been made feel like they’re ‘too much’. And particularly for those who’ve been made feel like they’re ‘too much’ by someone they
love. Because there really is no need to minimise yourself to fit into a neat little box packaged by someone else. But it’s taken me far too long to realise that…”


Having formed during lockdown, the pair have rapidly gained momentum, receiving taste maker press (Earmilk, Louder Than War, Punk News, God Is In The TV, Music Crowns, Lock Magazine, Gigwise), radio plays from BBC Radio 1, Radio X, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing Live Sessions and support from Amazing Radio as well as landing a number of Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists, the Premier League Official Playlist and Soccer AM’s ‘ones to watch’ playlist.

The duo started performing live in September 2021, which has seen them touring cities such as Leeds, London, Liverpool and many in between supporting the likes of: Stealing Sheep, Real Lies and the Lottery Winners, as well as appearing on festival lineups including Live At Leeds, Long Division, 110 Above and most recently The Great Escape.

maybe i’m too much was released last Friday (11th August). Have a listen below…

Must Listens: 23, blowing kisses, maybe i’m too much

Song of the Day: Blowing Kisses – Lucky Iris

Coming off the back of their BBC1 play on Nels Hylton’s Future Alternative with previous single ‘oh no (i guess i did it again)’, vocalist Maeve Florsheim and instrumentalist Jasper Exley- better known as LUCKY IRIS– shared their latest single, ‘blowing kisses’, which was met with the same level of acclaim…

With a fusion of the soft backdrop and rumbling industrial bass – all soothed over by Maeve’s delicately heartfelt vocals – ‘blowing kisses’ also received support from Nels Hylton on his BBC1’s Future Alternative show – and was on featured on ITV’s reality show, Love Island!

‘blowing kisses’ is the final single from their EP, coming out 11th August…but for now, have a listen to this mesmeric summer bop below…