Tag: USA

Song of the Day: Lady – Deb Fan

Hong Kong-raised and Los Angeles-based artist and producer DEB FAN‘s single, ‘Lady’, is an intricate alt-r&b track which emerges from Deb’s recent pilgrimage to Hong Kong—her first visit in over three years—which reconnected her with the vibrant yet overwhelming pulse of her hometown, prompting a deep reflection of the complexities of modern femininity from her perspective as a Taiwanese immigrant living in the US. Co-produced alongside Max He, ‘Lady’ blends the live instrumentation of 90s R&B and the visual soundscapes of impressionist-era classical music, reclaiming themes of rebirth and challenging stereotypes at the intersection of technology, tradition and femininity.

In the accompanying music video (directed by Breanna Lynn), viewers will see that ‘Lady’ is set against the backdrop of a traditional tea party following Qing Ming Jie (清明節, or Tomb-Sweeping Day), a Chinese festival which blends mourning and remembrance. The visual artfully navigates the concept of techno-orientalism, challenging reductive stereotypes with its narrative and sound. Deb’s exploration of this theme questions the outdated portrayals of Asian cultures as both futuristic and culturally stagnant. The full-female cast subverts the clichéd image of the Asian female cyborg, blending high-tech elements with traditional symbols to stake their claim on their own identity.

In ‘Lady,’ Deb Fan shares that beyond defiance, her freedom of choice in defining her identity is what matters most: “There’s some beauty in made-up rules. King of my world with none to lose.” The song is a bold statement of self-empowerment, reclaiming narratives and defying stereotypes in a world that often seeks to define them for us.

Deb Fan has earned praise from tastemakers at Billboard, Lyrical Lemonade, MTV, Luna Collective, Ones to Watch, That Good Sh*t, and Gen Direct to name a few, as well as Spotify Editorial Playlists – All New Indie, Ethereal, Outliers, .ORG, Poses, high-rise, Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds: R&B, Fresh Finds: Indie, Mood., Radar: Hong Kong, Simmering, +852 Rising as well as over 30 New Music Friday playlists including a top 15 on USA NMF for her last release “9AM IN LONDON”. Deb also covered R&B Rising on Tidal and is set to be a featured Tidal Rising Artist for 2024. In 2023, she went on her debut tour supporting Hojean, and will play the KOHAI showcase in June 2024.

‘Lady’ is the first single released from Deb’s forthcoming sophomore EP ‘Kowloon Demos’. Why not check out the video for single below…

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Song of the Day: Lyles Lullaby (Interlude) – JLyles

After the successful release of ‘Here I Am’, JLYLES keeps his momentum on a forward course as he gives us the interlude titled ‘Lyles Lullaby’, which serves as the second single to his upcoming album.

The Baltimore resident goes on an adventure through his brain as he revisits parts of his life, especially those during his transition to the home of the Chesapeake Bay. Produced by Sypooda, Lyles says that “this instrumental was so melodic that I couldn’t stop writing to it after penning the first line of the record. That’s why the song has no hook, it forced me to be introspective”. The influence gained from just the production gave the artist even more of an incentive to snag the beat from Sypooda. Gaining some sort of inspiration from any form of production is always a plus for artists, its even better when it takes one back to a certain time that challenges them musically and emotionally, as Lyles says “the beat is therapeutic”.

With the perfect backbone and theme set in stone, the New Jersey native went to work crafting what would eventually become an extension of the ‘Lullaby’ series, only second to ‘Chizz Lullaby’. JLyles held nothing back but instead let everything go. Really tuning into his vulnerable side with rhymes like “bottling my shit in this bottle is diabolical” and “man on a mission/my vision built a commission/my father sittin in prison/love momma but she was dippin/so we lackin supervision/and I’m the man of the house/weight of the world on my shoulders/gave hope in a drought”.

This record is yet another taste of what is in store for listeners and supporters of JLyles and is sure to put numbers on the board just as its predecessor is currently doing. The Execution has no release date set but from what the globe has heard off the album it is safe to say that no one should be worried about what to expect from it because expectations are high and they will be met. Check out Lyles Lullaby (Interlude) below…

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Laura Pieri regains her power in the music industry with EP ‘Frankie’.

Multidisciplinary music & visual artist LAURA PIERI reveals her new EP, ‘Frankie’. The EP will be accompanied by a short film which will premiere on June 17th.

The 4-track EP came to be when Pieri was at the point of almost giving up on her career. Inspired by what her farewell to the industry should sound like, the story of Frankie, a woman reclaiming her power, was born. In an EP that cycles through the great, bad, good, and ugly of self-discovery, Pieri emerges as an artist who has rediscovered her voice. The EP was co-written with an all-female team of songwriters and executive produced by Skyler Cocco.

The EP follows the protagonist, Frankie, who represents a woman navigating male-dominated environments. She is a foil story for women in predatory industries. Inspired by stories like Frankenstein, Suspiria, and Persephone, the characters in the Frankie story represent not only the ability of women to adapt and camouflage according to the circumstances of the moment, but also the sensation of imprisonment of having the need to have a myriad of versions in order to do so.

Across the EP’s 4 tracks, Pieri guides us through Frankie’s journey from disillusionment, anger, and finally, acceptance. “The EP was born out of a transitional phase for me,” Pieri writes. “I was mourning what I believed was me needing to give up on my career. I had felt that walking away was a necessity, and instead set my goals into pivoting into academia with corporate America as the end goal. However, leaving one male dominated field for another and feeling similar feelings come up made me see I was trying to run away from ghosts. Instead of running, I sat with them, and from that the story of Frankie, a woman reclaiming her voice and power, was born.”

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, where she lived until the age of 16, Laura Pieri always dreamed of being a pop star. In 2014, she moved to America and split her time between New York and Los Angeles to further her education and simultaneously pursue a music career. Inspired by a wide array of artists like Prince, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Michael Jackson, Pieri hopes to blend her pop influences with her Brazilian roots and use her songwriting to connect with others.

‘Frankie’ was released last Friday (31st May) across various music platforms. Why not check it out below…

Must Listens: Sea of Tragedy, Come Clean, GODDESS ENERGY

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Rapper V of 40M’s pays tribute to Martin Luther King in a live performance video

Shot by KB4L, Curtis D. Hines. V OF40M, the architect of revolutionary rap, is at it again with a live performance, which serves as the warm-up to V’s upcoming music video release for ‘Martin Luther,’ dropping tomorrow (1st July)

If you are ready to hear music that really matters then this is the one! V, a revolutionist and “artivist,” is fresh off the release of his biggest single to date – ‘The Score.’ ‘The Score’ along with ‘Martin Luther’ are available on all platforms now.

Philadelphia built, Carolina made revolutionist V of 40M has been setting the culture ablaze since his world introduction a little more than two summers ago. He is the frontman of 40M, also referred to as Forty Million Strong, a black Independence people’s movement geared towards self-sufficiency, self-determination and autonomy for Melanites or “Blacks.” Staying true to the mission, V has implemented the movement into every aspect of his music and has also brought his fellow “M’s” with him.

Though the movement is his focus, the music has become an important piece in connecting the “M’s” with the people on a large scale. As he explains in multiple interviews, the purpose of the V of 40M art is to inspire, inform, motivate and mobilize the masses and from music, he can reach those who may be currently unreachable in speech.

From his debut release, ‘No Church on Sunday,’ until his latest ‘The Score,’ V has yet to stray. Fast forward a couple million streams and countless co-signs and features later, it’s safe to say that the 40M movement is here to say.

Check out the live from the block performance video below…

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Song of the Day: Leave The World Behind – Shyam P & Moon Rocket

Renowned house vocalist, songwriter, and producer SHYAM P, celebrated for his collaborations with industry giants like Ferreck Dawn, Second City, and Josh Butler, has joined forces with legendary Afro House producer, DJ, and piano virtuoso MOON ROCKET, who has been delivering his magical live shows at some of the biggest clubs in New York, Miami and across Italy.

Together, they present a groundbreaking electronic album that transcends boundaries and defines a new era in electronic music. Titled ‘More Than Art and Science,’ the album is a testament to the collective talent and sonic breadth of these two exceptional artists. Both artists have accrued over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, and Shyam P’s distinctive vocals, effortless songwriting, and soulful performances have earned him support from Radio 1, CamelPhat, and Annie Mac. Meanwhile, Moon Rocket’s unparalleled piano playing and production skills have solidified his status as a legend in the Afro House scene.

The album’s second single, ‘Leave The World Behind, emerges as an instant standout, epitomising the perfect fusion of elements that define a cross-genre, radio-friendly dance anthem. This track effortlessly intertwines emotion-drenched vocals with a buoyant, uptempo production, encapsulating the essence of a chart-topping hit.

With its infectious chorus, “All I do is close my eyes and leave the world behind me,” the song not only captivates with its catchiness but also resonates deeply. In today’s whirlwind of existence, the track embarks listeners on a transformative odyssey of introspection, underscoring the significance of gratitude, liberation, and authenticity.

Radiating a feel-good vibe and pulsating tempo, ‘Leave the World Behind’ embodies the essence of summer, serving as the quintessential soundtrack for carefree moments and sun-kissed dance floors. The vocals, brimming with passion, seamlessly harmonise with the production, immediately uplifts spirits and strikes a chord with listeners.

Why not listen below…

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