OUT TODAY: Listen to McMillin’s Single, ‘What It Was’

A dynamic Nashville based guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, McMILLIN is a jack of all trades and an artist in every sense of the word. Gaining inspiration from pop, rock, and funk genres, McMillin cannot be put into a box, but rather mends genres seamlessly, becoming what he calls a “fusion artist.”

His new single ‘What It Was’ off starts strong, with four ear-piercing distorted guitar notes quickly followed by a much more mellow beat under a groovy bass riff. McMillins’ smooth voice comes in with “Maybe it’s just better off this way / Some say you begin to die when you refuse to change.” The guitar music stays mellow throughout the chorus with lots of variation in the drum set, a steady beat along with the occasional closed hi-hat and loud crash of a ride cymbal. The song builds throughout each verse adding more and more riffs from the lead guitar and bass guitar giving it that rock-pop sound. McMillin sings “And then it hits you all at once / It never will be what it was.” McMillin accepts that with time comes change but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t miss what used to be.

Hailing from the music capital of the world, Nashville TN, McMillin has been playing in clubs and bars in the heart of music city and beyond. Combining the elements of poetic dark pop with funk and rock components, McMillin creates a truly immersive, revolutionary musical adventure.

Currently, McMillin is representing Rolling Stone as the frontman for the Rolling Stone Rock Room featured on Holland America Cruise Lines. McMillin describes the guitar as “his one true love” and this is clear as his talents of lead guitar playing, as well as his impressive rock vocals, are on full display in this electrifying show. Their itineraries include the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, as well as most of the Caribbean.

‘What It Was’ is out today (1st September). Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: I Kissed A Girl – April Jai

London’s singer-songwriter APRIL JAI returns, this time to the blog’s Song of the Day hot spot, with a nostalgic summer feel cover of ‘I Kissed A Girl’ – the latest in a string of singles from the independent artist. Delicate acoustic guitars blend with an indie pop feel, April Jai has brought a brand new vibe to the 2008 Katy Perry hit, bringing it forward to suit the current musical landscape.

April Jai says of her cover: “I’ve been a huge fan of Katy Perry since I was a kid and I absolutely love making covers and changing them to suit my own style. I had a blast making this cover and love that it has that coming of age, end of summer nostalgic feel to it”

Making a name for herself on the London pop scene with her chilled production style and emotionally heavy lyrics, April’s TikTok viral hit ‘It Ends with Us’ saw her rack up over 500K streams for the
release on Spotify; meanwhile her previous more sultry alt pop release ‘Stop Fighting It’ emerged as her first release since her sold-out headline show in December at London’s Troubadour –
proving her potential to translate online viral attention into a real-life fanbase.

With a growing catalogue of heartfelt releases under her name, like the latest single ‘You Didn’t Notice’ and November’s pop- rock flavoured ‘Not Like the Movies’, April Jai’s personal pop numbers matched with her natural storytelling abilities sees her continuing to attract listeners from around the world, tapping into the ups and downs of navigating life and relationships. Now ready to continue her natural progression into the upper sphere of the pop world, ‘I Kissed A Girl’ is something new and exciting from the Scottish native – April Jai is undeniably one to watch. Have a listen below…

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…

Song of the Day: Anticipate – Xenia Manasseh

Introducing the Kenyan-born, Los Angeles-based XENA MANASSEH and her new single ‘Anticipate’ featuring fellow Kenyan artist Karun. The ethereal new single is imbued with 90s R&B sensibilities as the two artists unite, their hypnotic voices sizzling over a glittering, cinematic production. The single marks the latest taste from Xenia’s forthcoming much-anticipated 11-track debut LP Love/Hate Pt.1 slated for release on 1st September.

‘Anticipate’ appears alongside recent release ‘Temporary Love’ on Love/Hate Pt.1, the two singles marking an exciting taste of what’s to come from this ineffable debut. The beautifully curated album sees Xenia blend complex, intricate productions with appearances from the likes of Tay Iwar and Shalom Dubas.

Xenia Manasseh is a breathtaking global rising talent. Blending an eclectic offering of R&B shot-through with flavours of afro-soul, the emerging artist has already worked with the likes of Teyana Taylor, Burna Boy, GoldLink and more. With two EPs under her belt, 2019’s Falling Apart and 2022’s Maybe which includes the single ‘Love Me or Leave Me’ (1M+ Spotify streams) and support from Spotify (Xenia has been an ‘EQUAL’ and ‘RADAR’ ambassador), Xenia is making waves as an artist who blends stunning lyrical relatability with lush vocals and intricate songwriting. Have a listen to ‘Anticipate’ below…

Listen To Skyline Sun & Mío Ma Enchanting Alt-Soul EP, ‘Hibernation’

Acclaimed producer SKYLINE SUN and captivating singer MÍO MA bring together their unique talents to create a mesmerizing release that explores the cycles within society, balancing introspection and vivaciousness through their new EP entitled ‘Hibernation.’

Drawing inspiration from the ebb and flow of life’s rhythms, ‘Hibernation’ delves deep into the multifaceted nature of existence. The EP navigates the introspective moments of solitude and self-reflection, symbolized by the concept of hibernation, while also celebrating the vibrant and socially vivacious aspects of human connection.

This release serves as a gateway to this compelling musical journey, enveloping listeners in a comforting embrace with its roots firmly planted in R&B and Soul while also showing a true and unhindered artistic expression from the duo. Skyline Sun’s impeccable production skills shine through, creating a lush sonic landscape that perfectly complements Mío Ma’s enchanting vocals. The result is a harmonious blend of familiar R&B elements and innovative, fresh sounds, born straight from the gut feelings of the two artists.

Commenting on the upcoming release Mío Ma said, “The entire feeling of the EP is that stomach dropping moment or breath just before you fall down from the apex of a rollercoaster. That sense of rising and falling within our own cycles, whether it be seasonal or societal is something everyone can relate to.”

Both based in Berlin, Skyline Sun is the musical moniker for producer and multi-instrumentalist Jarrah Dhyan, while Mío Ma is the moniker for multi-disciplined musician, actress, dancer and curator Sara Vidal Cabré.

Listen to the dynamic duo’s enchanting EP below…

Must Listens: Wee Hour, Stranger