EP Review: Reset II – Obsidian Cane

In the midst of unprecedented times brought by Covid-19 pandemic back in March 2020, London producer OBSIDIAN CANE was about to throw in the towel as the uncertainty of the music industry took its toll; with clubs and music festivals shutting down one by one. As he was about to turn his back on the music industry for good, his manager gave him one piece of valuable advice and that was to: keep releasing music. After all, people will be listening to music more than ever, now they were effectively in complete isolation. Following the advice of his manager, Obsidian produced a collection of music and his debut EP Reset was born.

Released on August 2020, Reset EP signifies the rebirth of his musical direction under a new alias. In his former life, Obsidian Cane scored a club hit, ‘I Need a Rhythm’ as UKG duo KP with fellow acclaimed producer Paul Benjamin. He also produced music for BBC1, BBC2, amongst others. As his new direction in the music industry goes from strength to strength, Obsidian released his second EP Reset II, where he called upon three promising upcoming singers/songwriters who are holding their own in London’s music scene: Joy Ami, Ferraz and Stacey Pierre – all of which their featured tracks signifies the EP theme of regrowth.

Joy Ami’s ‘Mr. Creep’ and Ferraz’s ‘Shine’ both tell the story of breaking away from the overbearing and controlling partner, feeling completely freeing themselves from the language that was set upon them, thus feeling renewed. Stacey Pierre concludes the mini project with a different perspective of renewal with ‘Secret Place’: the message of this single is that it’s OK to step into your personal to regained your yourself in order to fight another day.

Sonically, the EP possesses that familiar sound of UKG, that’ll be most welcomed to the nostalgics of the 90s version of the genre, while simultaneously sitting well with the younger generation thanks to its fresh spin.

Released on Christmas Eve, ‘Reset’ II EP was perfectly timed for release into the new year, as subconsciously it provokes all of us to release ourselves from all the luggage that’s weighting us down and look forward to be a better (and revitalised) version of ourselves.

Take a listen now…

Must listen: Shine, Secret Place

Johnny Kulo Unveils His New Single, ‘Poseidon’

Berlin-based, Indian artist and producer, JOHNNY KULO is the bridge between old-school soul and modern R&B. The son of a reverend, he was inevitably playing drums in church before he could form sentences, exploring several other instruments until eventually realizing his love for songwriting and production. He uses his sultry-smooth voice to tell personal and perceived stories of love, heartbreak and unsettled identity.

An ode to choosing ignorance, his latest single, ‘Poseidon’ revolves around asking questions about past relationships, through a rhetorical sentiment. It explores the feelings of arrogance and confidence that arise after one gain’s hindsight overtime in regards to their past. The track also portrays an overall sense of apathy for the future stemming from exhaustion. Have a listen below…

OUT TODAY: Listen To Darren Parry’s Single, ‘Unconditional Love’

Hot on the heels of his summer ear worm track, ‘Summer Of Love’, multi-award winning Welsh, singer/songwriter DARREN PARRY returns and treats us to a stunning ballad entitled ‘Unconditional’.

Darren says of the meaning behind the latest single… “If you describe something as unconditional, you mean that the person doing or giving it does not require anything to be done by other people in exchange or return”.

‘Unconditional’ was co-written with ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard and who also co-wrote Darren’s summer track ‘Summer Of Love’) and one of Wales’ top vocalists/performers, Lee Gilbert.

The single was written via Zoom during the lockdown periods, initially for a Hollywood film, which featured a 12-year-old-boy saying a tearful farewell to his father. Due to lockdown restrictions in the US, the film did not go ahead – but the song still remains!

So without further ado, it’s time to listen to Darren new heartfelt single below…

Harry James Jr. Unveils Video For Latest Track, ‘Honest’

UK born artist, HARRY JAMES JR. has dropped the music video for one of his latest singles ‘Honest’ which features five time GRAMMY® nominated artist C. Tangana. Known for reshaping and redefining music, Spanish-born C. Tangana made history with his chart-topping album, ‘El Madrileño’. The album debuted at No. 8 on Latin Pop Albums chart, with all tracks landing on the Top 50 chart, and garnering over 5 million streams on Spotify Spain within 24 hours.

Released today (27th January), the visuals for the single has already amassed almost 20,000 streams on YouTube alone Shot in Madrid, Spain, the music video captures a couple’s journey through the romantic sites of the city while the melodic hit plays.

Speaking on the visual, Harry James Jr said: “Growing up in Malaga inspired the beauty and romance behind the ‘Honest’ visual. The song is about pure unconditional love and I think that shows in the video.”

‘Honest’ reflects Harry’s signature sound which is a crossover of mellow beats and creative wordplay. As an artist, his unique ability to mend pop, rap, and R&B has segmented him in a category of his own drawing attention from industry powerhouses such as dvsn’s Nineteen85. Harry is now mentored and managed by ‘85, a music veteran and overall OVO hitmaker.

Harry’s career as a rapper, singer and songwriter began at a young age when he released his debut single ‘Summertime’ which entered the UK Urban Chart for over fifteen weeks in a row. Harry signed with Ministry of Sound soon after and released his highest chart topping song ‘Crush’ which earned the 26th spot on the UK charts. He later dropped ‘Go Hard’ ft MZ Bratt and Wiley and ‘Home’ ft Ed Sheeran and Sway. Harry’s first studio album is a collaboration with Nineteen85 and will be released this year.

Check out the video for ‘Honest below…

Song of the Day: F**king Like King Kong – Marina Massanova

Artist/producer MARINA MASSANOVA sent shockwaves into the music-scene and beyond with her single ‘F*cking You Like King Kong’. Tik Tok banned her video for explicit content – and YouTube followed closely behind – but despite this, the mere corporate censorship would never slow her down; it would only serve to inspire her.

The single is built on sexually explicit, confident empowering vibes, and unapologetic self-expression – the fact that social media moved so quickly to ban Marina’s art & music only furthered the points she’s been making all along. As a result, “Fcking You Like King Kong” instantly became THE anthem for celebrating exactly who you are, and turning this life into everything you desire.

Providing a whole lotta FUN along the way in the process, the sensational, low-down & dirty electro-based, bass-driven beat is a perfect pairing with the spectacular charisma & X-factor talent of Marina’s extraordinary vocals. Combined with her new video, which intentionally turns the camera back towards society via a Zoom-inspired theme to hold the mirror up to who we are as the truest version of ourselves, ‘Fcking You Like King Kong’ becomes every bit as much of a riot to experience onscreen as it is through the speakers. Exploring what could happen if everyone in the Zoom room just let loose for a moment, turned the music UP where it belongs, and set themselves completely free to do whatever was on their mind – ‘Fcking You Like King Kong’ is ultimately about expression in its most beautiful forms.

Have a listen to Marina’s Risqué offering below…