UK-based powerhouse RAPHAELTATE unveils the video for track, ‘ Share My Life’, premiered via Reggaeville.
The self-penned single is a reminder to love and cherish loved ones – and never take them for granted. Raphael robustly soulful vocals leads the jubilant bounce of a soul/reggae/Afrobeat fusion, produced by Terrence Chamberlin (Bluesteel Studio) and Jermaine Forde (Ajang Music). A multi-Grammy nominated producer and the son of the legendary Brinsley Forde from Aswad, Jermaine has worked with the likes of Julian Marley and Black Uhuru and also produced Raphael’s 2020 BBC London/BBC1xtra-approved single, ‘A Fool In Love.’
With their dreamy, dark, sensual sound, ARULA & QUIET SON form a duo whose music combines the qualities of both urban electronica, dance, and experimental folk with an infusion of melodic pop sensibilities. Initially starting as a remote song collaboration between the two California artists & producers, the project blossomed into a fully realised LP that winds through themes of self-discovery, reclamation, climate consciousness, and romantic vulnerability.
In just a little over a year, Arula & Quiet Son have played shows throughout California, touring with acts like Random Rab & Desert Dwellers. The first single and title track from their debut album, ‘Found’, explores the power and direct connection between the feminine and nature.
Excited about the release, Arula says: “‘Found’ is a reclamation of the power that can only be harnessed from within. It is an ode to anyone who has ever felt lost, confused, or like they don’t fit it. It is a reminder that we can always be found within ourselves, and within the receptive energy of nature and earth”
Quiet Son elaborates: “The production of this song is really special to me. It was such a unique challenge, because when I heard the initial demo I realised the message of the song is so clear that I had to make sure the production supported Arula’s vision precisely. It was an exploration in creating and subsequently releasing tension: to build the sound around Arula’s vocals as the message of the song evolves from one of self-doubt into one of complete reclamation, empowerment, and ecstasy. It was fun to let that huge bass synth take over in the last chorus; I think it really opens the song up and symbolizes the feeling of relief and blessing we can feel when we give ourselves permission to take control of our lives and destinies.”
Arula continues: “Our hope is that this song reminds you that you are powerful and enough, just because you exist. May you always feel found within yourself.”
Take a peep at the stunning video for ‘Found’ below, directed by Jade Sanchez of Earth Based Media.
Following their previous single ‘Eagles Wings’, reggae/dancehall duo SONZ OF THUNDER UK (SOTUK) are ready to share their single ‘Joy To The World’ out now across various reputable music platforms.
Known for their infectious flow over the years, the guys have recently adopted the exuberant sounds of the Motherland as heard in their Capital Xtra’s Ras Kwame-approved singles, ‘Blessing Pon Blessings’ and ‘Destiny’s Calling’.
Continuing the buoyant vibes inspired by the continent, provided by upcoming Ghanaian producer Biskit Beats, ‘Joy To The World’ is an ode to find beauty, peace and pure joy in the world, despite the current climate, and to give thanks to the creator for the beautiful and joyous opportunities that unexpectedly arises.
For over a decade, SOTUK – consisting of brothers Shane and Dean Brown – have been spreading the words of inspiration across the UK which earned them a steady following in the gospel and mainstream communities as well as receiving continuous support by the likes of Capital Xtra’s Ras Kwame, BBC London, Pluse88 Radio, The Beat 1036 plus many more.
In the middle of the pandemic, which presented various adversities for many musicians, the North-West Londoners came on top and scooped the Music & Media Platforms Awards (TMMP) for best reggae act in 2021.
Their first official release of 2023, marks a new and exciting chapter of great things to come from SOTUK.
‘Joy to the World’ is out now across various reputable music platforms.
Hailing from Wisconsin, R&B singer MARTIN NOVALES has captivated listeners all over the world with his passionate vocals and candid lyrics. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Martin was introduced to music by his mother, who taught piano out of their home. Sadly, Martin’s mother passed away when he was just a child, but her love for music had a profound impact on him, inspiring him to pursue his own passion for music.
Martin’s cover of Alicia Keys’ ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ accumulated over two million Spotify streams and went viral on Instagram, with over 200,000 reels using his rendition. He’s set to release his debut album this year, which promises to showcase his heartfelt sound that often explores themes of love, loss and self-discovery, as heard on his latest released single, ‘Used To’.
‘Used To’ highlights Martin’s silky-smooth vocals, which glide over the laid-back, midtempo R&B groove effortlessly. Packed with sticky melodies and a memorable hook that will be ingrained in everyone’s head after one listen, the track is a throwback to the early 2000s and will surely see Martin continue his impressive run and break new ground.
Speaking further on the new single, Martin says, “‘Used To’ was inspired by and written immediately after unfollowing an ex on social media. After the process of the breakup, that felt like the final nail in the coffin of our relationship being over and that a chapter was ending and a new one was beginning. This song is about those emotions of acceptance, melancholy and reflection.”
NICKI WELLS has spent the last year carefully unwrapping the invaluable creation that is her upcoming debut album, titled Ellipsis, slated for release 18th August. The UK-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer has already offered listeners with three divine singles ‘Carry On’, ‘You’re Alright Kid’ and ‘I Have Longed To Be Here’.
The latest single to be unveiled from that forthcoming album is ‘Holy Smoke’, another gorgeously sensitive and emotionally insightful song that features the well-worn keys of Wells’ childhood piano, her folk-inflected vocals scales, deeply poetic lyrics, and soaring orchestral strings. It’s a song that whispers directly to the heart, opening it up further to the intense feeling that this songwriter pours into each and every moment
Regarding the new single, Nicki Wells says: “Holy Smoke is about the process of grieving after loss. It explores the idea that with death can come a kind of grace. That there can be beauty in the relinquishment of gently letting go.”
Nicki has already gained support from the likes of Songwriting Magazine, Notion, LOCK Magazine, Bandcamp Diaries, The Music Enthusiast, BBC 6Music’s Chris Hawkins, BBC Introducing and many more. It all comes down to Nicki Wells’ sound which is simply beautiful, traversing styles of chill, emotional, dreamy, orchestral, folk, singer-songwriter and meditative. Have a listen to ‘Holy Smoke’ below…
New Lease Music 