EP Review: The Lovers’ Tape – Shantéh x Joshua. James

What meant to be a standalone track to be release on Valentines Day, singer/songwriter SHANTÉH and producer JOSHUA. JAMES’ new EP, ‘The Lovers’ Tape’ was quickly turn into a four-track project that was written, recorded, mixed and mastered in four days (yes, four days!)

Bringing all angles of a love story to the table – from building trust, to an untimely separation, then from re-exploring the idea of a relationship to finally solidifying a true bond and commitment – ‘The Lovers’ Tape’ possesses a fresh take on 90s Slow Jam – thanks to the warming glow of the background vocals (which takes on a Jodeci-ish vibe in third track, ‘Luvin’ You’), the sombre feel from the piano (featured in ‘Foundations’) and the vibrant guitar plucks, giving off a Afro tone (in concluding track, ‘Meant To Be’). Each aforementioned component are all brought together by an uplifting meaty bass.

There’s no doubt about it that this mini set is definitely for those who love them some good old 90s Sow Jam. I, for one, am really impressed by their quick turnaround on a project of such high calibre – and still have it ready in time for Valentine’s Day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the South Londoners will join up for another collaboration. Check out ‘The Lovers’ Tape below…

Must Listen: Foundation

Song of the Day: Awake With Crystal Eyes – K O D A E

Easing you into the weekend is emerging R&B/Pop group, K O D A E with their sultry debut single, ‘Awake With Crystal Eyes’.

Formed in the spring of 2019 the five-piece act’s unique backgrounds brings a fresh new flavour to the Canadian music table with this latest offering: Annie da Silva’s velvety voice and cutting lyrics, Owen Mcpherson’s gospel roots on the deep five, Seyoung Lee’s lush jazz textures on the keys, Curtis Sauer’s ambitious groove on the drums and Eric Osborne’s fluid harmonies on the guitar.

Recorded at The National Music Centre, ‘Awake With Crystal Eyes’ is one of the three singles leading up to their first full length album to be recorded in the spring of 2021. Check out the uber classy track below…

 

Sia Shells’ New Offering Is An Empowering You-Got-This Anthem

SIA SHELL‘s toe-curling single ‘Magic Girl’, featuring Ekelle, could be describes as a catchy affirmation to be just your best self.

Draped with melodic lo-fi tones, the lyrics in Sia’s latest offering is fueled with pure motivation to make any girl feel she possesses the magical powers to blast those problems away.

As Sia says: ‘Nothing is impossible. If you have the right energy surrounding you, and the right people by your side, you can achieve your dreams!’

Think of this smooth number as your musical cheerleader or your BFF! Have a listen to ‘Magic Girl’ below…

Song of the Day: Alone – Murky Waters

If you’re massive fans of Still Woozy, Tyler the Creator (Igor + Flowerboy) and Dominic Fike, then you’ll definitely like this guy…

Making his debut on the radar, LA-based crooner MURKY WATERS dishes up his melodic string-laden/boom bap single, ‘Alone’, where the young artist paints a vivid picture of his struggle in regaining independence from a traumatic relationship.

Murky Waters on his debut single: “It captures the feeling of wanting someone so bad you drive yourself crazy, then losing them and falling apart, unable to shake the thought of them. When I was writing “Alone” the melody came to me naturally as Ford Jones, my producer, and I were working on the beat. At that point, the words ‘I’ve been lost all alone; You broke my heart and left me helpless’ seemed to follow fluently. From there the topic had sort of just established itself and I took my experiences and filled in the blanks.” 

Check out Murky Waters’ ‘Alone’ below…

Bliss Williams Shares ‘Falling For You’, A Song For The Brokenhearted

If you were left with a broken heart on Valentine’s Day, BLISS WILLIAMS’ latest single, ‘Falling For You’ may be somewhat therapeutic.

The London-based singer/songwriter is well-acquainted with unrequited love, as he gives a the yearning-tumbling performance over sweeping strings and melodic  harmonies, all served on a bed of punchy backbeat and bass groove.

‘Falling For You’ follows Bliss’ well-received debut offering ‘Thought I Was Young’. Have a listen to his latest offering below…