Mali Ama
Oh My Atlanta's Mali Ama is on the radio with a classy and catchy RnB chill-tune. Her latest number was made during lock-down and captures the energy of relaxed continuation of all that's still available. With a run of popular videos behind her, this new radio-edit is reaching a whole new page of music fans. It opens on a cinematic orchestral melody. Violins carry a drifting breeze that licks our hair as it passes over us. Mali Ama starts to sing, her delicious voice covers the smooth laid-back beats with harmonising layers. A charming closeness draws us in as the subtle melody reverberates over the silky rhythms. It feels that Mali Ama is infatuated with someone magical, someone who makes her feel like a woman. A smooth and seductive whisper of sensual music seems to run its finger along our arm as it walks by. You can follow Mali Ama on Facebook and Instagram
Kestine
Reflection EP From his early days of listening to Michael Jackson and imitating his moves to spitting rhymes down the mic in darkened rooms, Kestine has lived through music. The experience of dance and beats with melody and words has become a foundation-stone to how Kestine sees himself. When he was a boy, he learned to sing through a gospel choir which helped him find vocal confidence and training to focus his talent. Kestine has always viewed himself as an outsider in the world, whether it's being black, talented, intelligent, or any number of defining features, it's been a difficult journey. A talented singer and keen pianist, Kestine has pulled out all the stops on the Wurlitzer to create a monumental EP. Reflection looks back at his career in music, pays homage to the fans around the world, and takes a good hard look at his heritage. The intro begins with some vocal samples and public sounds. It's a brief moment of time that asks what our purpose is. Next is U.N.I.T.Y. The music opens with smooth and swaggering keyboards framed by swelling saxophone. Vocals loop and echo across themselves, creating a bubble of human sound. Kestine begins to rap. His words are raw and personal, he says things I'd never say, and that's his prerogative. A smooth and laid back feeling sweeps across the harsh and explanatory poetry. Kestine plays the role of the protagonist, the adjutant to his own reflection. A sweet laugh flows out, violins sway in windy messages, and a voice asks us where God is. Harmonising voices and a trip-hop element of composition opens out into bass-driven thundering rhythms. Slow and grinding tempo makes a quicker rap feel super-charged as more aggressive and passionate verbals craft emotive passages across the music. A sense of protectionism and an introspective groove, the track looks into the soul of a Preacher's Son. Next is Melanie. It begins with sirens and saxophone. An atmosphere of inner-city living that I know all too well. A gun-shot rings out, then drums and bass begin to reverberate along to a vocal—line. Duetting voices make notes and rhymes on a flow that's framed by laid-back drums. Rap begins, a Fun Lovin Criminals style delivery brings a soulful jazz to the hip-hop vibe. Then comes an interlude. We get to hear some traditional singing. It sounds African. It's a shame they didn't make the track longer, but that's okay. The final number starts with a moody piano. Some sleek vibes spill out as the vocal begins a slow-paced rap. Drums match the tempo and a whirl of notes begin to frolic around the tree-trunk of voice. Smoother and calmer projection tone down the emotion while building a richer and more inclusive drama. As we listen, imagery from religion and home work together with common concepts like freedom and love. Dear Diary is an honest chat with the self. You can follow Kestine on Twitter and Facebook
Emer Dunne
Daisy This brilliant new single from Emer Dunne's forthcoming album is hitting the airwaves as we speak. Since its release at the end of March, the track went to number 1 in the Irish iTunes charts and reached the twelve-spot on the Homegrown Weekly Charts. A cover-version of the popular Karine Polwart number, this modern version reinvents the body for its traditional soul. Having been broadcast across RTE 1 and Radio Ulster, the world is already getting a taste of this up-and-coming export. It begins with a splash of cymbals, uplifting drums, guitar, and harmonica. Emer Dunne begins to sing, the lyrics are crystal clear and pin-point on scale. A folk-rock attitude builds through the progression, strumming chords and sweeping harmonisations create a swaying atmosphere of merry charm. Advice for a young woman, Daisy lets us know that there are plenty of different souls in the world and they're not all like us. Try not to think about what's going on with them, just watch what they do. So don't think at all.. well, when it comes to those of us who don't fit the groove, don't spare a thought. That's how I would interpret that. What do you think? Catchy and country, it's a laid-back yet full-on musical experience. You can find out more by visiting Emer Dunne online
Ugly Beautiful
Sunrise Ugly Beautiful are a three-piece guitar band who record great sounding alternative-rock. Formed in 2007, the group have toured internationally and released several top-billed records. Songwriting duties are shared between the band, Kieran, Gallagher, and Falender. Originally recorded at Data Studios in Kerry, the mix sat on a shelf until a recent addition of vocals from Kieran made the master. With lockdown meaning the tours had to be put on hold, the band had a chance to revisit some older material and add the finishing touches. This latest single is a small taste of what is going to be a fantastic return to the live music scene. It begins with chunky electric guitar that swells with reverb and distortion. Heavy drums are added, they pound and roll on the bass-line that threads like ribbon through the mix. Vocals begin, a verse opens out and the music rises to meet the groove. As it progresses, blues licks play out to a heightening of tone in the vocal melody. The chorus meets us in the middle and shows the power of the band. It begins to calm down as the next verse ensues, build-up progressive guitars hint at the energy waiting to be unleashed. Here it is again, as the chorus finds new areas of exploration that lead into a melodic middle-eight. Inventive composition and a perfect balance between each instrument, the music hits us with a rock n roll energy and a subtle complexity that demonstrates a true craft. You can visit Ugly Beautiful on Instagram and Facebook Find the music on Spotify and Bandcamp
Frankie Carvalho
Sandstorm (feat. Amy Di Bartolomeo) When Frankie Carvalho first broke the scene, it was when she wrote a poem about COVID and the suffering it causes both directly and indirectly. She soon turned the popular ode into a song that became her first single at the age of 74! With all the money going to charity, the release was Frankie's way of saying thank you to all who do vital work that never stops. The much deserved success from this project inspired Frankie Carvalho to go one step further and record a handful of tracks to put on a single release. The EP that followed is called Sandstorm and this eponymous track is the second single from the record. Beautiful guitar begins the music with structures of chords picked out into a bouncing composition. Amy Di Bartomolmeo begins to sing, the words are about love and feelings taking us over. A drum enters, pounding on the bar with rhythmic clarity. It breaks for the chorus which washes across like the sandstorm of emotion it describes. As the chorus comes round again, keyboards fill in the spaces even further with a rich melodic harmony. Progressive and empathic, Sandstorm is a beautiful track. You can follow Frankie Carvalho on Twitter and Facebook
KinetiX
isaidhey Comprised of three brothers, Theodore, Ademar, and Arthur, KinetiX are Ireland's answer to the multi-genred pop-music scene. By blurring the lines between styles and composing a mix of synthesiser and vocal led music, their latest offering is ready to repeat on the playlist. iRadio's Louise Clarke has already remarked on their notable talent. They've also been featured on the blog that accompanies RTÉ, Ireland's state network. No strangers to the spot-light, avid watchers may remember when the same three brothers played on The Late Late Toy Show in 2010. The track begins with a warped bassline that fizzes into dominance as the vocal opens a new layer. Extra pulsation on the synth shifts the tempo, the verse-lines begin to add for phonics to the bar,then drums have their turn. A steady kick and shaking wooden taps work alongside the gated synthesiser tones that dance to the beat. Cymbals flow with extra uplift as new sections merge into the old. Extra melody provides new avenues of harmony as catchy chorus lines continue to repeat isaidhey, give me a break. I think we can all relate. Follow KinetiX on Instagram YouTube and Soundcloud
Jack and Daisy
The Little Things Based in Javea, Spain, Jack and Daisy formed a group in 2017. Their songs were so popular that they quickly began touring them along the Spanish coast. This helped them quickly rise to local fame and they've been climbing ever since. It's the right time for Jack and Daisy to take their music to the next level, and so they have released their first single. The Little Things is featured on their forthcoming album and is radio-ready right now. Acoustic guitar picks through a tuneful atmosphere as Daisy begins to sing. Her pretty voice mirrors the melody before Jack adds a harmonious duet. At first singling alone, the chorus sees Jack and Daisy sharing the mic to a fabulous effect. As their complimentary voices synchronise with a rush of emotion, trumpets add yet more colour to the mix. Breezy, uplifting, and happy, The Little Things talks about what really defines us. You can follow Jack and Daisy on Facebook and Instagram
Marlae
Runaway Released just today, the stunning Marlae invites us to run away with her. A song about getting out of where-ever we are and finding somewhere new, this synth-pop groover takes a rich yet minimal approach to song-writing. The Dublin-based singer, known for her contralto voice, finds a comfy home within electronic beats and lush synthesiser. The song has a fantastic video made by the gifted Paul Dodd, who discovered Marlae and decided to reach out from his home in Australia. Recorded and mixed in Marlae's Templeogue home then mastered by Ben Rawlins, we as listeners are taken on a journey away from what-ever is troubling us. Sultry chimes paddle at the air with melodious scales and the voice of Marlae rises from the flow. Sweet and sensual vocals sweep like aromatic spring breezes across an expanse of poise. Moody chords vibrate and compose themselves in comfortable jibs that catch the moving air in embraces. Subtle notes filter out in between a pounding bassline which beats like a heart close to another's chest. A sensation of the 1980s grows from the choice of synthesiser, soulful and rounded notes bob like ducks on a choppy lake. As an emotional presence manifests in clarity through the words, a new layer of piano begins to strike a barrage of complimentary chords to the uplifting currents of energy, led by the effortless yet crowd-shuddering voice. You can find out more by visiting Marlae on Instagram and Twitter Get straight to the music on Spotify
PureGrand
Pictures TBR: 16th April This third single from the upcoming PureGrand EP, due out at the end of the year, takes a leaf from the work of 90s boy bands. With lyrics about dating in the modern world that explore how the rules have changed, this dance-pop ballad begins an important conversation. It's been years since I went on a date and with all this commotion about harassment and objectification I am not sure how to get one these days. If admiring a woman and making it known is offensive and frightening to them, how do you try to get together? I guess the time has come for women to do the asking. This track is looking at the problem from fresh young eyes and with a fanfare of media behind it. PureGrand has been featured Nialler9's Best New Acts 2020 and on Hot Press's Hot for 2021. What began in his bedroom as a do-it-yourself music and self-promotion adventure, the photographer and visual artist put music into the equation. Since then, PureGrand has played at many top venues around Dublin and beyond. With a passion to bring real pop music back to the top, and a video that turns him into an idol, the song is eagerly awaited by the youth of the day. Why not visit PureGrand online Follow PureGrand on Instagram and Facebook Want to hear the music? Head over to Spotify
Lemonade Marinade
Paradise Bay With all revenue supporting mental health charities, Lemonade Marinade release Paradise Bay. Featuring the beautiful voice of Gillian Tuite, the song is taking the band further into the realms of stardom. The singer has already collaborated with Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan and the US star Gary Ferguson. Written by David Dee Moore and mixed at the famous Production Suite in Dublin, a great song with a great band is hitting the airwaves now. It starts with orchestration and acoustic guitar. Swaying tempo meets melodic composition as the verse opens the first line. Intimate vocals delicately sprinkle beautiful words in a harmonious tune. The harmony changes briefly, adding an alluring distance between the notes. As the music progresses, dual vocals harmonise with each other across echoing lines. A seaside atmosphere washes across the soundscape as tidal rhythms break with bluesy yet uplifting flurries of musical exploration. With folk infusions and a west-coast direction, the song is like sunshine and warm blue water. Find out more and buy the music from Bandcamp Lemonade Marinade are on Facebook |
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