Viral TikTok Star Jovian’s Ethereal ‘Dreamcast’

Harry Fenn

Hot on the heels of his previous singles, ‘Welcome to the Show’, ‘Where Did You Go’ and ‘Timothee Chalamet’, viral TikTok star Jovian is set to release his new single ‘Dreamcast’. The ethereal theme is exemplified by the floating synths and flowing melodies throughout, all underpinned by a spine-shaking beat that you can’t help but tap your foot to. Amongst his other self-evident strengths as an artist, he is first and foremost a storyteller. The 11 years that he spent at acting school (alongside Timothee Chalamet) shine through as his lyrics and delivery will have you reaching to repeat this track again and again. The result is a vulnerable and honest pop song that is as fun as it is raw.

Jovian has found solace in music, which has helped him overcome struggles with depression, anxiety and body dysmorphia. He also has synaesthesia, which has helped formulate his distinctive sound and allows him to see the world in his own unique way.

‘I use music and specifically Hip-Hop to express myself and literally survive. Hip-hop has saved my life and supported me in expressing my feelings when I felt speaking to others failed me in this process… My music and platform are meant to show kids they don’t need to harm themselves using substances to numb. There’s an artistic outlet for every sensation they feel!’ – Jovian

‘Dreamcast’ is out now and available on all platforms. Keep an eye out for Jovian in the future – there’s more to come from Brooklyn’s up and coming hip-hop TikTok star.

Check out Jovian here:

Instagram
Website
Soundcloud
Spotify
Youtube

Aurelia Dey’s Empowering Anthem ‘Huntress’ Out Now

Harry Fenn

As we begin to come out of lockdown and restrictions are (gradually) lifted, we are starting to see people’s lockdown creations come to life as they are shared with the world. One such project is Aurelia Dey’s new single ‘Huntress’. Aurelia finds a sharp, boundary-pushing angle, breaking gender norms and associations. The lyrics are thoughtful, empowering, and even funny at times, as this anthem exudes confidence and feminist principles.

Aurelia has created a series of dancehall and afrobeats under the concept ‘Sunday Service’. She describes herself as a black womanist who wants to entertain and enlighten whilst proudly showing the world her Ghanaian-Swedish heritage.

‘Huntress’ is intriguing and engaging as the track builds right from the start, the tension remaining throughout. Every moment is hook-filled magic as the beat and melodies will get you moving and singing along before reaching for the repeat button.

Aurelia describes herself as a ‘Huntress’ as a way of acknowledging a new level of liberal feminism whilst cultivating a connection to diversity. She’s been very busy making tracks for us over the last year, so there is much more to come from Aurelia in the future. For now, you can stream ‘Huntress’ on all platforms and keep up to date on her socials listed below.

Check out Aurelia Dey here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aureliadeyofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aureliadeymusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aureliadeyofficial/?hl=sv
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/miss-relli
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1eFBWrAF8Vu18ey4zdRqIA?si=0nD_ERzMSy2XS_MM1FDPIg
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLhQJ1KyIJ1KDPxMM2V-o8g
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aureliadeyofficial?lang=sv-SE

Nivid’s Hypnotic Industrial Single ‘Mazhab’

Harry Fenn

New Delhi-based artist Nivid is due to release the last single on the already released album entitled Merña, which garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone and Alternative Nation. The single starts with a hypnotic soundscape and lyrical screaming synths before the incisive and barbed lyrics kick in. Nivid is inspired heavily by Nine Inch Nails, and the influence can be heard here. But there is a good dollop of originality here, particularly in the outro as the song builds without the listener even realising to an emphatic climax. 

The single will be accompanied by an epic and striking animated video that highlights the track’s meaning. ‘Mazhab’ deals with the darker side of religion and how it has often led to people living their lives in fear and often leads to war and displacement. The track comes at a time when religion is considered a form of local terrorism across India; it has exacerbated recent farmer’s protests, and many are accusing religious institutions for the severity of the COVID outbreak across the country.

‘The narrative of the track is based on the age-old premise of religion has divided humanity. The track is pretty much on point throughout and condemns organised religion out-and-out’

‘Mazhab’ is epic and grungy; the electronic, industrial feel contributes nicely to the lyrics delivered in the desperate tone of someone who connects deeply with them. And if just listening to the single alone isn’t enough for you, the computer-generated video is something to behold with affronting visuals and immersive production.

You can follow Nivid online at the following links:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/nivid_facebook
Instagram: https://bit.ly/nivid_instagram
Website: https://bit.ly/nivid_bandcamp
Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/nivid_soundcloud
Spotify: https://bit.ly/nivid_spotify
Youtube: http://bit.ly/nivid_youtube

Marcas Mac’s Gaelic Anthem ‘Nochd’

Harry Fenn

Marcas Mac releases his third single entitled ‘Nochd’. Marcas’ collaboration with Kerry-born Gary Keane continues with this Gaelic language anthem tackling body inclusivity and positive change in the queer community. The single has been released alongside a poignant and beautify video which premiered on 29th of May, highlighting the issues raised in the song. The video was shot at home by collaborator Joshua Wilson behind the camera. The home-made feel and the fact that it was shot on a mobile phone only help to capture the meaning and poignancy of the track.

‘We’ve brought 90s back with the lighting and smoke machine. Unfortunately the dry ice set the smoke alarm off at 4am, but hopefully the neighbours will like the song’

The single, produced remotely by Gary Keane is a pulsating and broody feast for the ears which compliments Marcas’ vocals perfectly which builds to a cathartic chorus. Marcas’ effortless vocals float above the production with ease and grace with expertly crafted harmonies interspersed throughout the track. ‘Nochd’ is the latest in a series of singles that follow on from one another.

‘Nochd picks up where Fichead’s a h-Ochd left off, this time articulating the contemporary LGBTQ experience in Gaelic. The song focuses on body image, an issue which has massive importance to the queer community. The mainstream media, as well as the gay press, really do have an impact on how we view ourselves and find others to be attractive, with upholding a number of physical ideals and aesthetics, which are rarely inclusive.’

Stream ‘Nochd’ on all platforms and keep a look out for the video!

Email: marcasmac@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcasmacceol
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marcas_Mac?s=20

MXOM Teases Debut Album with New Single ‘FXMOUS’

Harry Fenn

Before now, Ugo Nelson has had a number of different lives. Growing on in Croydon, he overcame adversity, having had a number of run-ins with the law and ultimately choosing a different path. Following this decision, his life totally changed as Ugo swapped Croydon for sunny Silicon Valley. Utilising his long-term and valuable skill of coding, he started his own tech company; although he excelled in this arena, Nelson felt unfulfilled – and so he returned to his hometown to pursue a career in entertainment. He trained at a prestigious drama school, and he still uses this training to inform his music-making and career. This training is an asset that allows Ugo to stand out from the pack as rapper MXOM.

Later this year, MXOM will be releasing his debut album and has begun to tease us with his new single ‘FXMOUS’, which is out now. ‘FXMOUS’ is not just the same as all the other trap music released every day; MXOM’s classical drama training does shine through in his lyrical delivery and a very natural grasp on rhythm and meter.

“It’s about heartache, pain and sacrifice… and tells a tale of the things we must do, the suffering we must endure to reach our dreams.”

Aside from his inspiration in drama, MXOM is heavily influenced by the likes of Kayne West, with the distinctive utilisation of auto-tune in this single emulating artists such as M Huncho and Yxng Bane.

MXOM continues to hone his craft and make a name for himself as an exciting newcomer with a series of one-minute freestyle videos. If these videos and this new single are anything to go by, we can expect great things from MXOM in the future.

Catch MXOM at these links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mxomlive?lang=en-gb
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-192335549
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ctKWUi75t9YJmCSkQJpyo?si=pWviEIymQL61Im9rkC9Wfw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mxomlive/?hl=en-gb

Preyah Lays it ‘On The Line’ in New Single

Harry Fenn

With pulsating synths, a beat you can’t help but move to and an effortlessly funky bass line to underpin the whole thing, Preyah’s new single ‘On The Line’ is irresistible. Preyah’s vocal talent and, most notably her control, is evident throughout the track as she sends out the message that no-one should feel held back by someone else’s indecision.

Preyah battled through a difficult childhood growing up in Sofia, one of the toughest areas in Bulgaria, facing prejudice and racism from an early age. She also found herself living alone at the age of just 16. But the adversity she’s faced has been harnessed and ultimately has made her stronger. She has become one of the most recognisable faces in Bulgaria, appearing on The Masked Singer and Your Face Sounds Familiar.

‘On The Line’ is upbeat and perfectly produced. The songwriting is well-thought through with some surprising rhythmic elements that will keep the listener engaged throughout. And that’s all before you get to the break-down; an epic saxophone solo will rattle your bones and leave your mouth agape – it is as incredible as it is unexpected. But I suppose, now that you’ve read this it’s not quite so unexpected… sorry.

‘On The Line’ is the lead track from her forthcoming EP and comes with a glamorous new video, which you can watch below. With her sights firmly set on Eurovision selection, we’ll be hearing much more of Preyah in the years to come.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preyah_yeah/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/preyah-114912188/preyah-on-the-line/s-U4tIkKbXH0u
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JrtHrH28JpMPS6CmWcOku
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/preyah/1061548923
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC29ziSFefQTKjOMFSWr8zA/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preyah_?

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Six Nights Wows with Debut Album ’21’

Harry Fenn

When someone talks about classical artists, you are unlikely to think of someone like Six Nights. Claiming he is more likely to be found in a tracksuit than a tux, Six Nights flips the trend in bursting onto the classical music scene.

His new highly emotive album, 21, is inspired by the COVID lockdowns and the hardships we’ve all faced this last year. He takes inspiration not just from classical pieces but from R&B, hip-hop and film scores. This is most evident in tracks such as ‘Moving Tiles’ where muted percussion, sweeping synths and strings are expertly utilised, adding to the drama of the piece.

With no formal training, the pieces are impressive, with complex articulations and ornaments; the harmonies and melodies are reminiscent of Einaudi or Nils Frahm. Six Nights has always used music as an outlet in times of hardship such as when his parents split up when he was just eight years old – he found solace at the piano and continues to play the same instrument to this day. He was dedicated in his practice and would run home from school every lunchtime to play – his goal was always to release an album of his own compositions.

All of the tracks were recorded during lockdown but initially were stored on Six Nights’ iPhone. As his mental health began to suffer in lockdown, Six Nights called a producer and had the pieces recorded professionally. And just like that, his dream is achieved. The stunning album will be released on the 28th of May this year. If you want an album to get lost in then 21, with its flowing melodies, thoughtful production and evocative harmonies, is the album for you.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Six-Nights-104363975083858
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixnightsmusic/
Website: https://www.sixnightsmusic.com/

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Anderson .Paaks Up and Moves to Warner Chappell

Featured Image by Israel Ramos

Before you ask… yes, I’ve chosen to write about this pretty much just to make that awful joke in the title. But anyway… I remember in a lecture at university, we were shown Anderson .Paak’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert and I was utterly blown away. This was the first time I’d heard his music and although his music isn’t necessarily the kind of thing I choose to listen to, he’s one of those artists who’s musicianship and artistry is totally undeniable. In this video, Anderson sits at a pared down drum kit, a microphone aimed at his mouth as he is surrounded by his effortlessly cool band. What follows is fifteen minutes of pure genius – you will not regret watching it and forever you can weigh in on the Anderson Paak conversation and tell everyone how amazing you’ve always thought he was.

Ahead of the release of a project with Bruno Mars entitled Silk Sonic, Anderson has signed an administration agreement with Warner Chappell. The company’s president of US A&R, Ryan Press commented that Anderson is ‘already at the top of his game, and yet he continues to reach higher and higher. He effortlessly brings optimistic and feel-good vibes to every song he releases…’ I have to agree and Silk Sonic is surely going to be huge – Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars together… something funky has got to come of that.

No release date for Silk Sonic has yet been announced but the first single, ‘Leave The Door Open’ is out now. I must say, I think it’s one of the coolest tracks I’ve ever heard. It’s like the best of all of the last few decades with shades of Boys II Men and the classic ballads of the 80s. It’s something special and no doubt will be the soundtrack to this summer and perhaps the next few.

You can watch the video for ‘Leave The Door Open’ below:

Harry Fenn

In Signs marks a new era with the release of new single ‘Bloom’

Harry Fenn

Last week, Kyiv-based rock band In Signs released their new single ‘Bloom’. It’s dark, it’s tense and it’s brilliant. Evolving synths and heavy guitars beneath a delicate vocal performance brilliantly contrasts the darker soundtrack. Frontman Arsen explains that he wrote the song years ago but decided that now is the right time to release it:

“This song was written a long time ago, before quarantine, but it now feels like ‘Bloom’ is about COVID.”

The song is emotional and relatable. Arsen expresses that the track was written at a bad time in his life when he felt alone; the anger comes through in the wistful chorus and sweeping synths. 

‘Bloom’ marks a change in artistic direction for the band, which will likely see darker, edgier music. After the success of their previous single ‘Knock Knock’, they are looking to explore the new sound. They have moved to a new studio and ‘Bloom’ is a good indication of what lies ahead for In Signs.

You can watch the new lyric video here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insignsband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/insignsband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insignsband/
Website: https://www.insignsband.com/
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/in-signs/1340508600
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lbOAXU3IC5HuZhykxWCkD?si=ajHsPXe-SmyPNgYv2zD8-A&nd=1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/InSignsBand

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Pentral Set Sights High With New Epic Single ‘Aiming for the Sun’

Harry Fenn

Hot on the heels of the success with their first single ‘Silent Trees’, Pentral have today released ‘Aiming for the Sun’: a six-minute epic filled with ferocious guitars and a persistent beat to bang your head to. This track is a fitting preview to their album, which is set to be released on the 7th of May and, if this new single is anything to go by, the album entitled What Lies Ahead is going to be quite something; look out for the jittery riffs in ‘The Shell I’m Living In’ and the skull-rattling ‘All My Wounds’ – they will not disappoint. 

“What Lies Ahead is a concept album exploring the fractious relationship between people from different backgrounds and cultures”

Pentral have always been passionate about environmental protection as well as social issues such as racism and equality and they make sure their lyrics reflect this. Track 6 of the album, ‘No Real Colour in Souls’, reflects the anger and frustration at the issue of racism in its ferocious drum and bass intro. Songs such as this cement Pentral as a prog rock band of the future and ones to watch.

As if the promise of such a powerful album isn’t enough. A video to accompany the new single premieres today. This is the second chapter in the story followed by the upcoming album. A young family is lost in an angry and hateful world. What Lies Ahead is the story of their battle against an oppressive and tyrannical regime.

You can watch the new video here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pentralmusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/pentral
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pentralmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pentralmusic
Website: https://www.pentralmusic.com/

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