He may not have a household name, but Sola Akingbola is a trailblazing artist that is soon to take the world by storm. As a percussionist and integral member of the globally renowned band Jamiroquai, Sola has been making music that has touched the souls of millions for decades. 

Now, he is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘How Should I’ on 25/10/2024, with the lead single ‘Touch My Soul’ dropping on 04/10/2024. Sola’s music is a beautiful fusion of cultural influences, drawing from his Nigerian heritage and his upbringing in the eclectic and diverse city of London. His upcoming album showcases his versatility as a composer and performer, with each track telling a unique story of cultural identity and musical exploration. One of the standout tracks from the album is the title track, ‘How Should I’, originally written for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 production of Hamlet. The soulful vocals of Olivier-winning actor Sheila Atim add a tender touch to this cinematic piece, which brilliantly blends groovy beats with a jazz-lounge style. Other tracks to look out for include the energetic and percussion-driven ‘Olukumi’, which has a music video filmed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, and the introspective ‘My Brother’s Keeper’. 

Sola’s music is a celebration of cultural fusion and the power of music to transcend boundaries, making it a must-listen for any lover of the arts. But Sola’s talent doesn’t stop at music – he also recently received the Best Film and TV Score BMI Award for the second year in a row for his work on the hit TV series ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’. He has also composed scores for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, further showcasing his artistic prowess. Growing up in Portobello Road, Sola could have never imagined the impact his music would have on the world. From performing at major festivals alongside music legends like Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones, to writing scores for renowned theater productions, Sola has truly made his mark in the arts world. And with the upcoming release of ‘How Should I’, all eyes and ears will be on this talented artist, ready to be enthralled by his unique sound and captivating storytelling. Don’t miss out on experiencing the magic of Sola Akingbola – tune in and listen to ‘How Should I’ when it drops on all platforms on 25/10/2024.

The post Bridging Cultures Through Jazz: Sola Akingbola’s New Album ‘How Should I’ Celebrates Musical Fusion appeared first on Pressed Up Mag.

Sick of Hearing Everyone’s Opinions on Everything? Richie Harrison is on his New Grunge-Punk Single ‘The Rope’ As the world becomes increasingly divided, it seems like everyone has a strong opinion on everything. From politics to pop culture, it can be exhausting to constantly hear people tell you what to think. 

But for rising artist Richie Harrison, this constant barrage of one-sided commentary served as the inspiration for his latest single, “The Rope”. Harrison, who has been making music for over 20 years, is known for his ability to bend genres and experiment with different sounds. But with “The Rope”, he truly cements himself as a unique and talented musician. The track, which blends elements of grunge and punk, is a raw and honest look at the frustration and anxiety caused by the constant bombardment of opinions on social media and in the news. 

With brooding vocals and churning guitar riffs, “The Rope” draws listeners in with its catchy verses before exploding into a frenzy of manic guitar solos. But beneath the surface lies a strong and thought-provoking message, as Harrison sings about the struggle of trying to choose a side in a world where everyone seems to be lying. For Harrison, music has always been a way to express his emotions and work through his issues. After struggling with anxiety and being a part of various bands, he finally found his voice with his single “The Firing Line” which received rave reviews. Now, with “The Rope”, he continues to use his talent and passion for music to connect with listeners and shed light on important issues. 

“The Rope” is set to release on 12/09/24 and will be available on all major platforms. Don’t miss your chance to hear this talented artist’s powerful message and unique sound.

The post Why Richie Harrison’s ‘The Rope’ is the Ultimate Anthem for Frustrated Millennials appeared first on Pressed Up Mag.

The country music scene is about to welcome a dynamic new artist with the upcoming release of Ben Tucker’s self-titled EP on January 24th. With a sound reminiscent of the Travelling Wilburys, John Prine, and Merle Haggard, Tucker’s EP is sure to be a hit with country music fans looking for a fresh sound. Ben Tucker’s lead single, “At Your Side,” is a powerful showcase of his solo talent. 

The track’s strong vocals and Americana-inspired instrumentation create a sound that is both familiar and unique. In the accompanying music video, viewers are taken on a road trip through the beautiful landscapes of America’s country roads, perfectly capturing the spirit of the song. The EP continues with an eclectic mix of tracks, showcasing Tucker’s storytelling abilities and the influence of blues in his music. Songs like “Gambling Man” and “Ever Since She Turned My Head” capture both the grandness of the American expanse and the intimacy of Tucker’s personal journey. Tucker’s love for music began at a young age, and he has been playing and writing since he was 8 years old. For him, music has always been a constant in his life, providing solace through the ups and downs. His career started with the synthpop duo The Fizzgigs, and after university, he formed the garage rock band Albino, with whom he has toured extensively. 

Ben Tucker’s EP is a testament to his passion and dedication to music, and it is one that fans should not miss. The EP is now available on all platforms, so be sure to tune in and take a trip to the country with Ben Tucker.

The post Saddle Up for a Country Music Adventure: Ben Tucker’s Highly Anticipated Self-Titled EP appeared first on The Skinny 24.