Manchester’s hip-hop scene is heating up with rising star Jay Kurdy’s latest track, “Rise Again,” featuring the talented Rob Wheeler. Dropping on 21/07/23, this single brings a fresh spin to conscious rap, paying homage to the golden age of the genre while addressing relevant and important messages. 

With a sound reminiscent of old school greats like Tupac and Kano, Jay Kurdy proves that real rap isn’t all about flaunting bling and cars. Instead, he uses his music to inspire and empower the youth, spreading the message that it’s okay to fail as long as you get back up and rise again. Joined by the smooth vocals of Rob Wheeler, the song’s chorus elevates the track with its catchy pop melodies, making it a hit that’s sure to stick in your head all day. 

The music video, shot at the iconic SBG Rochdale gym, is a nod to Kurdy’s connection with martial arts, an activity that has helped him overcome the challenges he faced as the only black student in his high school. But this isn’t just any gym – it’s also the training ground of former British MMA World Champion Martin “50 Cal” Stapleton, who became a close friend and mentor to Jay.

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It’s no surprise that the Mexican music scene is producing some of the most talented bands of the moment. Guapos, a supergroup comprising of Adán Jodorowsky, El David Aguilar, Jay de La Cueva and Leiva, have proven this with their new single, “Nunca Te Quise”. 

The song takes the form of a sarcastic parody; tinged with cynicism and ironically delivered with a light, melodic tone. The accompanying music video brings the tensions of the song to a head as the main characters are betrayed and eliminated by an unidentified assailant in the middle of a surreal reality.

Produced and recorded at Reliable Records in Chicago, the track is written by all the members of the band and stylishly directed by Charlotte Kemp Muhl, a music and film savy director based in New York. The video is complemented by Kenji Katori’s stellar lighting and is produced by La Catrina group. 

Guapos are taking their talent on the road this summer as they embark on a tour of different music festivals in Spain. With each member having an extensive solo repertoire and a unique style, plus a dedication to embodying their own classic, updated sound, Guapos consistently deliver an unforgettable performance. 

If you’re looking for a memorable evening of varied and entertaining music, then this is the band for you. With their impressive musical prowess and strategic combination of different influences, this group of professionals is bouncy to make a lasting impression on the scene, so don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Guapos this summer.

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The Mexican music scene has been blessed with the emergence of The Guapos – a supergroup formed by Adán Jodorowsky, El David Aguilar, Jay de La Cueva, and Leiva. After a long wait, the band has released their second single “Nunca Te Quise” – an incredibly catchy and sweet song with cynical lyrics.  Accompanying the […]

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John Fishell’s latest album, “We’ve Got a Live One,” is a thrilling testament to the enduring power of mainstream rock. Packed with energy and delivered through an electrifying live performance, this album showcases Fishell’s prowess as a songwriter, performer, and producer. From start to finish, Fishell and his band captivate listeners with their raw talent and unrelenting passion.

The album was recorded during a live performance at the Wreckingroom Studio in Lyons, Colorado, and the result is an electrifying 45-minute set that showcases Fishell’s original compositions, as well as a couple of well-executed cover songs. The meticulous mixing and attention to detail applied by Fishell in the post-production process ensure that every note and emotion are captured flawlessly.

“We’ve Got a Live One” offers a unique listening experience, as many of the tracks have not been released as studio versions before. Songs like “Here’s Looking at You” and “God Save the Queen” come to life in a live setting, enhanced by synchronized backing tracks meticulously curated from Fishell’s studio recordings. This technique adds a larger-than-life quality to the music, elevating it to the realm of rock legends and iconic bands.

Fishell’s musical influences shine through on this album, drawing inspiration from the likes of the Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, AC/DC, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and more. However, Fishell’s own artistry and creative songwriting approach set him apart. His distinctive vocals, coupled with thoughtful song construction, reveal hidden treasures that reveal themselves with each subsequent listen.

The rhythm section formed by drummer Brian McRae and bassist Mario Pagliarulo provides a solid foundation for Fishell to deliver his thrilling and heartfelt performance. Throughout the album, unexpected highlights abound, including a captivating “dance” version of AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells,” the Rush-like time signature shifts in “Here’s Looking at You,” and the radio-friendly appeal of “Pushing and Pulling.”

“We’ve Got a Live One” solidifies John Fishell as a rock force to be reckoned with. His unwavering talent and dedication to his craft shine through every track, leaving audiences craving more of his dynamic and captivating sound.

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Rock fans rejoice! John Fishell’s new album, We’ve Got a Live One, is now available on all platforms. This 45-minute live-performed set of original music and two covers was initially broadcast in June 2022 from the Wreckingroom Studio in Lyons, Colorado via the www.volume.com streaming platform and has since been mixed to the artist’s exacting standards. 

Fishell’s musical influences are apparent throughout the album, with fans of the Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, AC/DC, Queen, Led Zeppelin and even the Beatles, The Who, 70s, 80s and 90s rock all finding something to appreciate. The album includes an interesting “dance” version of AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells, smooth Rush-like time signature shifts in the song Here’s Looking at You, a Gary Glitter “stadium shout” gem in God Save the Queen, and the radio-friendly Pushing and Pulling. Veterans Brian McRae (drums) and Mario Pagliarulo (bass) form the solid-yet-explosive rhythm section as a perfect backing.

The album is a testament to Fishell’s talent and skill as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, as well as his production and engineering expertise. His unique singing voice, clever and thoughtful song construction, and eclectic nuggets offer something for everyone to enjoy. ‘We’ve Got a Live One’ is an exciting and energising addition to the rock scene; a reminder that mainstream rock is alive and well.

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Are you on the look out for some new music that will inject some positivity into your life? Then you need to learn about the fantastically talented, Julie Anne Grace, whose latest single ‘Dance to Each Other’s Beat’ is spreading a message of kindness and love at a time where the world needs it most. Serving as the lead single to her upcoming album, ‘She Sings, She Soars’, it’s a brilliant track with a message that everyone needs to hear.

Having had to undergo her own personal journey of healing, having suffered childhood and spousal abuse, Julie-Anne has since dedicated herself to helping others all over the world. This lifestyle lends to her message in ‘Dance to Each Other’s Beat’ as she practices what she preaches, believing it to be the change we need. Making the world a better place one song at a time, Julie-Anne Grace needs to be on everyone’s playlist.

‘Dance to Each Other’s Beat’ is set to be released in early 2023, as Julie-Anne prepares to bring us the release of her full album. Kindness, love and celebration, this is a song that will no doubt inspire you and others to go the extra mile for each other and loving all of the things that make us different.

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If you’re a fan of Bob Dylan, then listen up! Irish folk duo, The Winter Codes, are here with a new album. Released on August 1^st, their album ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’, is filled to the brim with expert guitar and impressive vocals that are all underpinned by fantastic storytelling lyrics that will leave you wanting more and more. Comprised of David Walshe and Blood or Whiskey founder, Barney Murray, there is a wealth of musical expertise on show – you do not want to miss out on this!

In the lead up to the album, the duo released their lead single, ‘Too Sly to Die’, giving fans a small example of what was on the horizon with the full album. A song delivering nothing but quality with storytelling music, it gave fans a big reason to be excited for what was to come – and we were delighted to see that on the full album, they didn’t shy away from that approach.

Kicking the album off is ‘North Circular Road’, keeping up with what made ‘Too Sly to Die’ so great. Pacey drums, bouncing guitar work and storytelling, it feels as though this is Winter Codes’ bread and butter and while the quality is high, they make it seem all too easy. Other songs on the album that keep within this style are songs such as ‘Friend in Tullamore’ and ‘Erin’s Lovely Lee’ which deliver the same quality, showing their almost unbelievable consistency in creating music that is of a high standard. With this much good too say about it already, it’s easy to see that ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ will excite anyone who is a fan of good lyrics and music.

While they have a certain style and sound that is evident in the songs mentioned, it’s their versatility within the album that makes it that bit more exciting. With acapella songs in ‘Thirty Years of Tears’, they show how easy it is for them to change it up – this time, with nothing but vocals, they’re able to produce a song that fits right at home with Irish folk. This change not only keeps their core sound feeling new and fresh, but also adds to the admiration you have for their talents – choosing not to stay on their own beaten path, they’re brave enough as creative musicians to branch out slightly, and they do it with the same stamp of expertise as they had done before.

In making ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’, The Winter Codes had sought out the help of some other talented musicians in Daithi Meila from Irish/bluegrass band Jig Jam, singer Lisa Loughrey and engineer Sean Montgomery. Certainly not holding the quality back by any means, these additions have ensured that the standard on this album doesn’t drop, not even a jot. Having already been released, ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ is out on your typical streaming platforms ready for your enjoyment, and with music as good as this, it’d be a mistake to let it go under your radar.

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An independent classical Jazz artist who has built his reputation through crowd funding his projects by offering his previous albums, educational music lessons and even live performances to his avid supporters within his following, Ido Spak The Jazz Traveler is returning to the moves which bought him to the dance by creating classical dulcet tones fit for the present with ‘Epidemic Adventures’.

Getting his name from his mission to travel across the globe and expose the wonders of piano-oriented music to the most ethnically diverse range of audiences possible, Ido Spak has been known to draw some inspiration from legendary cultural music movements such as Tropicalia and Afrobeat as well as the musicians of Palestine and Syria, with an added touch from local figures based in his homestead of Iran. A risky new project in terms of stepping outside of his comfort zone, ‘Epidemic Adventures’ comments on the dating scene within lockdown and how a new romance blossomed for Spak during the most uncertain of times, finding love across the internet.

Commenting on the origins of ‘Epidemic Adventures’ and expanding on the themes of the 10-track LP, Ido Spak notes, “I bring elements from the Middle East and combine them with NYC Jazz and classical music“, adding, “I explore non-conventional rhythms and do it through collaboration with musicians from different cultures such as Iran, Syria, Kurdistan… Canada, Germany and the goal is to break national and political boundaries“, in his press statement.

Setting up the scene for a beautiful tale of long distance love, the lead single ‘Endless Summer’ hits the ground running by creating a calming tone with a melodic track that boasts a classical movie musical style which would fit a lush extract of a film or television score as upbeat Piano stabs and floating mid-verse Piano riffs complement a decidedly optimistic take on complex internet-driven relationships. Sparse splashings of Saxophone melodies and bass-driven Drum stabs add more variety to proceedings as Ido Spak lovingly creates a picture-esque scene of uplifting resolve and peace.

Ido Spak takes his Jazz-inflicted Piano melodies and his fantastical lackadaisical sound to the upper levels with his most refreshing release yet and he sets them atop a water-style soundscape which he has bejeweled with signature artisan production flourishes that feel as invigoratingly intriguing as they are instantly winning, creating a neat balance of precision and clarity, at no expense of the LP’s story.

Words by Jacob Braybrooke

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An emerging Soul, R&B and Trip Hop-influenced singer-songwriter looking to etch his name into critics’ minds across the forthcoming months, Osasioo (Who is also sometimes known as Femi Soabiki) aims to tug at your heart strings through his undeniably emotive mixture of R&B traditions, intimate microbeats, vulnerable lyrics and vigorously elegant tone. By transporting listeners to another dimension with his newest single ‘Gravity’, Osasioo has set a new bar for his material as he continues to explore his artistic goals of creating an immediate connection between his music and his audience, with a potent blend of talent and integrity that stands out.

Currently based in Alberta, Canada but with his roots of origin set firmly in Lagos, Nigeria – Osasioo has taken his journey throughout the music industry to high levels with the release of his latest single ‘Gravity’ as he builds from the success of previous cuts ‘Into You’ and ‘Love You Right’ – which have gained healthy viral attention following their release. These earlier examples of his art have shown love-letter writing to the blueprints of the R&B and Neo-Soul genres alongside the explorations of Afrobeat sentiments that have been interwoven into his work, leaving fans with anticipation for ‘Gravity’ to arrive on September 2nd on all the relevant streaming platforms.

‘Gravity’ crashes down to earth as one of Osasioo’s most accessible offerings yet, although the sound feels less electronic and the songwriting feels more intimate than you may first expect on the surface given his previous interests in R&B and Neo-Soul. The track feels aimed more directly towards the Indie and contemporary pop radio market, balancing a tender amount of acoustic guitar melodies with sleek, polished vocals. The lyricism could have easily come across as cheesy or trashy due to the sugar-coated sound if done by a less talented artist or in an alternate universe, but Osasioo pulls it off with a sweetly sentimental vibe which feels wistful and lightly touching. Fans of Lemar, Seal or Labrinth would be at home with it, but it could easily pass the time in a public place such as a park or a coffee shop if it was being played for a purpose there. While nothing groundbreaking, it feels nice and pleasant with a quality of sincerity striking through instead of purely commercial ambitions. Overall, ‘Gravity’ is not necessarily a track that veers far away from the Pop and Indie genre conventions, but it does not need to re-invent the wheel since its own wheel feels robust enough to travel for a fair distance in this case without running out of the steam that powers it.

Words by Jacob Braybrooke

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“Red Room is in part about a feeling of isolation, caused maybe by depression or some external factors. We left that open to interpretation, as it was written in Moscow right when the war started, and both me and Gau felt the influence of that uncertainty about the future” – Cee (Maere, Producer)

It may be rare, but every so often, a very unique and special artist hits the scene with a niche, but frenzied appeal to a puzzle-loving fanbase who treats every one of their releases like an enigma code to crack, as cryptic characters like Aphex Twin and Kendrick Lamar continue to appeal. Comprised of numerous different collaborators, Maere is a project that prides itself as something else entirely and it is led by producer Cee. An elusive front person who has revealed little info about their name, location, age, influences or production process is Cee, who thinks of Maere as less of a solo platform and more of an art collective which functions as an outlet to relate your feelings through. Remember that we are listening to no singular voice here, as we veer towards the more experimental and R&B-infused side of sparkling electro-pop which feels vague but deeply personal. Maere’s latest single is ‘Red Room’, another jigsaw puzzle of a piece musically that encourages you to confront your emotions concerning intimacy, curated by a curious personality, with no frills.

Starting life in 2021 when Cee met various other members of Maere hailing from Italy, Russia, Germany and The USA – with Gau being cited as the most notable new addition to Cee’s collective – in locations as obscure as a Karoake in Moscow in December 2021, Maere are a group that are geographically distanced yet brought together by socio-political issues as varied as feminism, anti-racism and anti-capitalism. An openly non-binary creative, Cee creates music that is deeply fascinated by the concept of inner versus superficial identity and how we are shaped by the details that we project into and retract from the world. To build upon this idea, ‘Red Room’ has been mostly constructed to encourage like-minded deep reflectors to come together to explore – and express – who they are.

‘Red Room’ is largely all about the empowering nature of frequent collaboration which underpins the ambitions of Maere as a spiritual project for finding unity through art, a fusion where the creativity flows. The separate parts of a whole, intertwined soul who operate individually but work towards an essential collective goal altogether.

Rather than being surface level stuff, Maere take the concept further by bringing new elements to the table including lyrics that detail the feelings of paralysis and confusion that comes along when we’re stuck in different situations where no obvious solution presents itself. A sense of restlessness is present in Cee’s songwriting as Cee reflects on confusion and romance, giving off the idea that Cee has a few ideas for how to overcome an obstacle, but he’s not sure which route is best to take specifically. Bright R&B-style verses with a light Neo-Psych tinge and minimal chord progressions characterize the sonic palette while the emotive ballad-style vocals create a more commanding presence for the vocals. The instrumentation is quite subtle and airy throughout, with no hyper-melodic sense of aggression but occasional qualities of Trip-Hop and Industrial Pop rearing their heads throughout. The synths are sparse, but pleasant, and the more minimalist electronic pop beats are laced together by contemporary Neo-Soul production. It feels a little overlong and it may be too subtle for some, so it could have been improved a touch by some more fresh additions to the soundscape being made here and there to make the sounds feel a tad more varied. What stands out, however, is the richness to the tune that makes it stand out well.

The synths are textured meticulously and the drawing Trap-Hop bassline feels vague yet intriguing, which creates a memorable single in ‘Red Room’ that feels subtle yet subdued, polished yet intimate. While it may suffer a bit from a plodding structure, it’s well worth keeping an eye out for ‘Red Room’ in physical formats so that you own the single and can keep coming back to it when you need to zone out, or most likely find yourself in a relatable situation to Cee’s.

Words by Jacob Braybrooke

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Late Night Pharmacy’s brand new single ‘Is It Because’ is the latest edition to the Irish rock bands discography. With sounds reminiscent of The Smashing Pumpkins, Death Cab for Cutie, Interpol, ‘Is It Because’ is a punchy song with quintessential rock sounding guitars and energetic drums. Starting with a gentle intro, the track builds up with thrilling guitars and drums into a musical and emotional climax. The best songs are always the personal songs, they speak to human experience and to the raw emotions that reside within us. ‘Is It Because’ is exactly that. As Late Night Pharmacy explains:

“​​Unlike most of the songs in the band’s back catalogue, ‘Is It Because’ is a very personal song, with lyrics describing an unrequited romantic attraction in blunt, unsentimental language.”

In typical rock fashion, the vulnerable stories and emotions are combined with passionate vocals, a high tempo, and powerful instruments that drive the track forward. ‘Is It Because’ draws from an amalgamation of musical influences: from alternative rock, post-punk, post-hardcore to shoegaze. Yet Late Night Pharmacy are nothing but their own band and an interesting addition to Dublin’s rock scene.

If, like me, you are not from Ireland it is incredibly refreshing to hear such a strong Irish voice which compliments the genre nicely. Late Night Pharmacy have already received significant praise and it is clear that the band is going from strength to strength. The upcoming release of ‘Is It Because’ proves this, so get ready to sing your hearts out on the 26^th August 2022!

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