So the January Blues are officially over, but we nevertheless had one incredible month of music to kick off 2016, after a jam-packed 2015. In case you missed it, be sure to check out my Top 100 tracks and Top 30 re-edits and remixes of 2015. But that was last year – on with the new! 2016 kicked off in style with new music from the likes of Villagers with their special live-edition album ‘Where Have You Been All My Life?’. Sohn delivered an infectious remix of Honne’s ‘Gone Are The Day’s, while Kano kicked things into gear with ‘3 Wheel-ups‘ ft Giggs and Kano. Tiggs Da Author brought us the upbeat and catchy ‘Run‘ ft Lady Leshurr, while Flume returned with his epic new single ‘Never Been Like You’ ft Kai. Laura Mvula teamed up with Nile Rodgers for her funky, soul-filled single ‘Overcome‘, while Katy B collaborated with Kaytranada on the seductive ‘Honey‘. Other big releases included RiRi’s long awaited return, with the release of her new single ‘Work’ ft Drake, taken from her highly anticipated eighth album ANTI. The single went on to dominate iTunes and went to No.1 in 89 countries. Welcome back Rihanna. Speaking of Drake, the Canadian rapper dropped his first single ‘Summer Sixteen’ from his forthcoming fourth album ‘Views from the 6’. Former 1D member, Zayn Malik, premiered his new single ‘Pillowtalk’, along with raunchy video, starring girlfriend and model Gigi Hadid. Co-written and co-produced by Zayn, Pillowtalk is taken from his debut album ‘Mind Of Mine’, set for release March 25. Be sure to check out his candid interview with Beats 1’s Zane Lowe. Before I get into my January selections, lets check out what else has been happening in the world of music news.
What better way to kick of 2016 than with the BBC’s Sound of 2016. The poll predicts artists set to make a big impression for the year ahead. The top 5 included a tie between WSTRN & Mura Masa, Blossoms came in at 4, NAO at 3, Alessia Cara as runner up and Jack Garratt claiming the coveted first position. Check out my write up here. Justin Bieber continues to dominate the charts, claiming 2016’s first number one with ‘Love Yourself’ and even made history securing second and third place with singles ‘Sorry’ and ‘What Do You Mean’. However, it wasn’t long before fellow Canadian Shawn Mendes dethroned Bieber with his new single ‘Stitches’. Elsewhere in the charts, Adele’s 25 went on to secure the first number one album of 2016, bringing her reign to seven straight weeks.
2016 launched some exciting new album releases. Flume announced details for his forthcoming album Skin, while Kanye announced details of long awaited album ‘So Help Me God’, ‘SWISH’, ‘Waves’, Update 10/2/16 The Life Of Pablo, set for release February 11. While Kanye loves to tease fans and no doubt annoy record companies with his constant album name changing,’So Help Me God’, ‘SWISH’, ‘Waves’, The Life Of Pablo will be live streamed to the world on February 11th in Madison Square Garden. For those not lucky enough to live in NY, check out your local Cineworld for further listings. Nashville rockers Kings Of Leon are currently working on the follow-up to 2013’s Mechanical Bull, while in other comeback news the one and only Emeli Sande is putting the finishing touches to her second album, the follow up to 2012’s Our Version Of Events. In other comeback news, The Last Shadow Puppets (Miles Kane & Alex Turner), who recently unveiled their latest single ‘Bad Habits‘, announced news of their forthcoming album Everything You’ve Come To Expect, due April 1. (And no, it’s no joke) The album will serve as the follow up to 2008’s The Age of the Understatement – so you could say it’s been a long time coming! Continuing with comebacks, Craig David has signed an album deal with Insanity Records/Sony Music; his first album in six years. Having already shared lead single ‘When the Bassline Drops’ with Big Narstie late last year, followed by a surprise performance on Xfactor with Reggie&Bollie, expect his forthcoming album Following My Intuition later this year. In the meantime, be sure to check out his epic cover of Bieber’s ‘Love Yourself’ in the Radio 1Xtra Live Lounge. As we walk even further down memory lane, 90’s girl band All Saints are back in the studio after ten years (ok, I’m starting to feel really old now!) Their new single ‘One Strike’ is set for release February 26th. Let’s hope their new material lives up to some of their classics such as ‘Never Ever’, ‘Under The Bridge’ and ‘Pure Shores’
With so many albums announced, tours usually follow. Having announced their comeback and headline performance at Coachella Festival, LCD Soundsystem will be going on tour this year. (Dates TBC). Radiohead’s Thom York also confirmed they’ll be touring this Summer and are set to headline a series of EU Festivals including OpenAir St Gallen (Switzerland), Primavera Sound (Spain) and NOS Alive (Portugal). Arcade Fire announced details of their EU Festivals dates and will join Radiohead and The Chemicals Brothers at NOS Alive this July, while The Last Shadow Puppets announced details of their tour, kicking off March 26th in Edinburgh and playing various dates in London, Liverpool, Paris, Dublin, Italy, NY and LA. In a blast from the past, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (AKA Will Smith) and Jazzy Jeff are sent to join forces once again as they embark upon their world tour this Summer. Smith confirmed the news on Graham Norton, saying they’ve written about 25 songs so far. What a 90’s throwback!
Legendary Coachella Festival confirmed LCD Soundsystem, Guns N’ Roses and Calvin Harris as their 2016 headliners. They join an impressive list of artists from Disclosure to A$AP Rocky, Grimes and Foals and rumours of N.W.A reuniting. While over this side of the pond, the Glastonbury rumor mill is still in full force, with Stone Rose, Coldplay, Foo Fighters and Adele all in the mix. Organiser Emily Eavis, confirmed this years festival will be well represented by a wide range of female artists. Girl Power! Lovebox Festival announced LCD Soundsystem and Major Lazer as their headliners. The festival will take place at Victoria Park (July 15-16). Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, brotherly duo Disclosure and Foals are set to headline Reading and Leeds Festival, while Chemical Brothers, Above and Beyond and Cirez D are set to take over SW4. Bestival announced The Cure, Major Lazer and Hot Chip as their headliners, with a further headliner yet to be announced. They join Years and Years, Bastille, Krept & Konan and more. Safe to say, we’re spoiled for choice with festival lineups this year. In the lead up to the Brits, War Child’s Passport to Brits, announced details of their series of intimate gigs, all in aid of children whose lives are torn apart by war. Gigs include special performances from the likes of Coldplay, Jamie XX, Lianne La Havas, Florence + The Machine. Tickets are by ballot with entry costing £4.50 (Bargain and for a great cost).
With the BRIT Awards just around the corner, Adele, Coldplay and Justin Bieber are set to take to the stage. They join Little Mix, James Bay, Jess Glynn and The Weeknd, who have all been confirmed to perform on the night. Coldplay’s ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ will battle it out against Jamie xx’s ‘In Colour’, Adele’s ’25’, Florence + the Machine’s ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’, and James Bay’s ‘Chaos And The Calm’, in the Mastercard Album of the Year category. In the Best British Female category, Adele is up against the likes of Amy Winehouse and Florence Welsh. Notable snubs include Grimes, Disclosure, Muse, Maccabees and Grime artists from Stormzy to Skepta and Lady Leshurr, which is especially surprising considering last years captivating statement with the help of Kanye and half the UK Grime scene. Be sure to watch Ant & Dec host for the second year running Wednesday Feb 25 on ITV. In other award news, The Oscars announced their nominations, with Asif Kapadia’s feature-length documentary Amy, on the life and career of Amy Winehouse, nominated for Best Documentary Feature. Elsewhere, Straight Outta Compton was been nominated for Best Screenplay, documenting the rise of NWA and the lives of Dr Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E. Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes received their first ever Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song with the latest Bond theme ‘Writing’s on the Wall‘. Smith And Napes are up against Lady Gaga’s ‘Till It Happens To You’ and The Weeknd’s ‘Earned It’. The 2016 Academy Awards, hosted by Chris Rock, will take place on February 28 in Los Angeles. Continuing with Awards season, The Grammy’s announced Adele, Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Little Big Town and Pitbull to the lineup of performers. The 58th Annual Grammy Awards will take place in LA’s Staple Centre (Feb 15).
Baz Luhrmann, the creative mind behind Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, shared his new trailer for the Netflix original drama ‘The Get Down’. The musical-drama takes place in the Bronx, NY, depicting the flourishing music scene and birth of hip-hop in the 1970’s. Elsewhere in TV, American Idol is still going, and even had a surprise auditionee in the form of Kanye West (AKA the greatest living rock star on the planet… his words, not mine). The rapper auditioned with the classic ‘Gold Digger’ earning himself a golden ticket to Hollywood. With the success of the US Lip Sync Battle (I’m looking at you Mr and Mrs Channing Tatum), the UK version has finally hit our shores. With hosts Professor Green and Mel B taking on hosting duties, the UK version seems a lot tamer, with guests including David Walliams, Michelle Keegan, and Carol Vorderman …. They ain’t no Beyonce! Super Bowl madness has just about set in, with Coldplay set to headline the halftime show on February 7th. They follows in the footsteps of Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, U2, Paul McCartney and last year’s performance from Katy Perry (including left shark). This year, Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson join Coldplay for what is set to be an incredible performance. In other Global TV events (which many would argue is far more entertaining) The Eurovision Song Contest will once again take to our screens on May 14 from Stockholm, Sweden. Ireland announced Westlife’s Nicky Byrne as their representative with his single ‘Sunlight’. We’ve sent a Turkey and Jedward… so it’s can’t really get any worse. While the UK announced the public will decide who represents the UK in Eurovision: You Decide (Feb 26). Fast becoming one of my favorite TV features, James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke on The Late Late Show has struck gold again with the one and only Adele hitching a ride and blasting out some classic tracks. Adele and Corden serenade us with hits such as ‘Rolling In The Deep’, ‘Someone Like You’ and even a version of Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’ and Nicki Minaj’s verse on Kanye’s ‘Monster’
In tech news, Amazon Prime introduced ad-free internet radio stations and X-Ray Lyrics, while Apple confirmed Beats 1 will be the only free music service offered by the company. The music streaming service has since reached 10 million subscribers, still half the amount of Spotify. Speaking of, the streaming platform has taken on a number of acquisitions, hinting at possible changes to their streaming future. One of the platforms include audio messaging platform Cord Project and social music app Soundwave. Spotify are also planning to introducing video content exclusive to mobile devices, with a catalog consisting of short form content from BBC, Comedy Central, ABC etc. And the good news, the video content will be available to all users, not just premium subscribers.
Time for some celebrity beef, and believe me Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose provided much entertainment with their series of tweets. It all started with a name; Kanye’s album ‘Waves’ to be precise, which Khalifa criticised saying “Hit this kk and become yourself.” Kanye took offense to Khalifa’s use of KK, which he thought referred to his wife Kim Kardashian. What followed was a highly entertaining barrage of tweets from Kanye, trading insults and even dragging exes into it. Queue Amber Rose who completely laid into Kanye. The rappers have since called a truce, sharing messages of love and deleting previous tweets. Great publicity for both artists who are gearing up for their albums releases in February. When it comes to rap battles, there’s only one person who can ultimately decide on a winner; The President of the United States. Yes, Obama was asked the difficult question during a YouTube Q&A where he replied ‘Gotta go with Kendrick. I think Drake is an outstanding entertainer but Kendrick… his lyrics, his last album was outstanding. That’s the best album of last year.” Obama sure knows his music! Over at Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Chris Price, formerly of Last.fm and MTV, has been announced as the new Head of Music. He will take over from George Ergatoudis in March, who has been nabbed by Spotify.
In sad news, British icon David Bowie passed away at the age of 69 after an 18-month battle with cancer (Jan 10). Having just released his album Blackstar days before his passing, Bowie proved to be a creative visionary not only in life, but in his passing too. His last single ‘Lazarus’ was an eerie foreshadowing of what was to come, with the poignant lyrics “Look up here, I’m in heaven”. Blackstar served as the his last goodbye to his loyal fans. The Grammy, Ivor Novello and Brit Award Winner, had a remarkable career having released 25 studio albums. Since his passing, 13 albums and 9 singles dominated the UK charts. Bowie even broke Adele’s Vevo record for most viewed music video in one day with 11.1 million views for ‘Lazarus’ and 51 million views across his entire back catalog. Lazarus went on to become the fastest selling album of 2016 in the UK, claiming his first ever US no 1 in the process. One of Bowie’s final projects included The David Bowie Musical, which serves as the followup to the cult classic movie The Man Who Fell To Earth. The production, titled ‘Lazarus’ is set to come to London in 2017.
David Bowie mural at his hometown of Brixton, London
Now in February, we can look forward to The Brit Awards, The Super Bowl Halftime Show, The Grammys and plenty of new music. In the meantime, check out my monthly favourites below.
1) Alex Vargas – Shackled Up
British and Danish artist Alex Vargas unveiled his latest single ‘Shackled Up’. The single is taken from his forthcoming Giving Up The Ghost EP, and serves up an emotive and captivating single, showcasing Vargas’ hypnotic vocals and impressive range. Presenting future R&B soul, Vargas weaves in and out of the defined beats and slick production, captivating each listener with each falsetto hook. Having previously supported Jack Garratt on his headline tour, upcoming dates for Vargas include Naked Song Festival (Netherlands, June 25). Giving Up The Ghost EP is available now via Copenhagen Records / Locomotion Entertainment.
2) Ben Pearce – Pomelo
Mancunian Producer/DJ Ben Pearce shared his latest single ‘Pomelo’ from his forthcoming EP of the same name. Having spent most of 2015 touring, along with his monthly residency shows at Rinse FM, his Summer residency at Ushuaïa ANTS in Ibiza and working on his new material; Pomelo serves up a welcome return for the producer. The slow burner of a track, gradually gains momentum with its hypnotic, melodic arpeggios and textured layering, delivering an unassuming club smash. Pomelo is available Feb 5th via Moda Black. Upcoming dates for Ben Pearce include Snowbombing in Austria (April 4) and Lost Village Festival (May 27-30)
3) Rosie Lowe – Woman
Devon-born Rosie Lowe unveiled her new single ‘Woman’. Co-produced by The Invisible’s front man, Dave Okumu (Jessie Ware, Amy Winehouse), Woman serves up a shimmering slice of pop with a strong sense of women empowerment. It’s beauty lies in the stillness throughout, with Lowe’s smooth vocals taking center stage. Woman is taken from Lowe’s debut album Control, which is set for release February 19th via Wolf Tone/Polydor. Upcoming dates for Lowe include The Hope & Run in Brighton (Feb 24), Oslo Hackney (Feb 25) and London’s Scala (May 11)
4) Lunice – Look Like
From his hard hitting trap stylings with TNGHT back in 2013, Canadian Producer Lunice premiered his latest offerings ‘Look Like’. The track is part of Lucky Me’s annual Advent Calendar series, offering free downloads in aid of the Syrian Refugee Crisis, and has already seen releases from fellow TNGHT producer Hudson Mohawke and Jacques Greene. ‘Look Like’ serves up plenty of edge with its trap and hip hop stylings, skittering beats and infectious synth work. With the release of his surprise 180 EP back in November, Lunice is gearing up for his highly anticipated debut album 360, later this year.
5) Aprés – Prophet
22 year old producer/DJ Aprés has done it again with his latest single Prophet. The track premiered with Annie Mac on Radio 1 and serves as the follow up to ‘This Ain’t Love’ ft Andrea Martin and the highly received ‘Chicago’. Prophet serves up some instant feel good vibes with its driving, house-piano chords, warms synths and infectious melody. Upcoming dates for Aprés include Ministry of Sound with The Magician (Feb 20) and Snowboxx Festival in France (March 12-19). Prophet is available now via Love & Other.
6) Miike Snow – Genghis Khan (Louis The Child Remix)
Swedish Trio Miike Snow made their long awaited come back late last year with ‘Heart Is Full’, shortly followed by lead single Genghis Khan. Now, producer duo, Louis The Child deliver their unique remix. The Chicago based producers made quite the impact recently with their remix of Ty Dolla $ign’s ‘Blase’ and the captivating single ‘It’s Strange’ ft Kay Flay, which I’ve had on repeat ever since. The Chicago based duo infuse their smooth synth work and future bass melodies throughout this indie/pop gem. Upcoming dates for Miike Snow include Ultra Music Festival in Miami (March 18-20) and and Coachella Festival (April 17, 24), while Louis The Child are also set to perform at Coachella. Miike Snow’s third studio album iii is set for release March 4. In the meantime, check out the other remixes available for Genghis Khan, including Hook N Sling, Empress Of, CID and Yacht Club here. (SEP post??)
7) Yeasayer – I Am Chemistry
Brooklyn band Yeasayer made their long awaited return with the captivating new single ‘I Am Chemistry’, which serves as the follow up to 2012’s album Fragrant World. I Am Chemistry creatively showcases their trademark strands of experimental, psychedelic rock, not to mention one of the best instrumental synth breakdowns that I’ve heard in a long while. Mix that with the melodic sounds of a children’s choir, and you’ve got one utterly unique single. Welcome back Yeasayer. I Am Chemistry is taken from Yeasayers forthcoming fourth studio album Amen & Goodbye due April 1.
8) Eric Prydz – Breathe ft Rob
What do you get when you put two electronic heavyweights together on a track? Pure class! In the lead up to Eric Prydz’s forthcoming Debut album Opus – yes DEBUT, Prydz unveiled his latest single ‘Breathe’ with none other than Knife Party’s Rob Swire. While the two producers have very different styles, it nevertheless works in perfect harmony, with both producers respecting and honouring each other’s vibe. Prydz premiered the single on his Beats 1 show, showcasing a more slower tempo, yet still highlighting his signature synth arpeggios, with Swire’s infectious vocal line reminiscent of his Pendulum days. Rob Swire is also gearing up for a big return, with news that Pendulum are set to perform at Ultra Music Festival in Miami this March and the release of Knife Party’s forthcoming Trigger Warning EP. Opus is available Feb 5th via Virgin Records. Upcoming dates for Prydz include EPIC 4.0, with dates also set for SW4 under his alias Cirez D, while Swire is set to perform at Ultra Festival with Knife Party and Pendulum.
9) Jorja Smith – Blue Lights
With an already impressive list of rising UK talent such as Mabel and Nao, make way for 18-year-old Jora Smith and her debut single ‘Blue Lights’. With great support from the likes of Stormzy and Elf Kid and Skrillex, ‘Blue Lights’ serves up an emotive and reflective track about social commentary, with Jorja’s captivating, raw vocals, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, making quite the impact. Inspired by DIzzee Rascal’s ‘Sirens’, which she samples throughout, Jorja Smith is definitely one emerging star to keep an eye on.
10) Santigold – Chasing Shadows
American singer and producer Santigold, unveiled her new single ‘Chasing Shadows’. Produced by Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend), the track serves as the follow up to her previously released singles ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Myself’ and ‘Who Be Lovin’ Me’ with ILoveMakonnen.’ Chasing Shadows serves up an upbeat, bouncy track, with Santigold’s falsetto style vocals soaring above the carnival style melodies and punctuated beats. ‘Chasing Shadows’ is taken from Santigold’s forthcoming 99 Cents album, due Feb 26 via Atlantic Records. Upcoming dates for Santigold include House Of Blue in Texas (March 21) and the Ogden Theatre in Denver (March 24).
11) Benga – Make Moves
London-based producer Benga has made a triumphant return with his heavy, electro banger ‘Make Moves’. Taken from his forthcoming Future Funk EP, ‘Making Money’ serves up a relentless barrage of incessant robotic beats and repetitive vocal loops, giving the track a sense of immediacy and urgency. Having taken a break to focus on mental health issues, Benga is back stronger than ever with his 3-track EP Future Funk set for release February 26th via his own imprint, Benga Beats. Upcoming gigs for Benga include London’s Fabric (Feb 12).
12) Eats Everything – Big Discs
While Bristolian producer Daniel Pearce, AKA Eats Everything, came runner up in my Top remixes and Re-edits of 2015 with the infectious Tiga vs Audion’s Dancing (Again!), his never ending production skills continue into 2016 with his latest single Big Discs. The single serves up some serious feel good vibes, with its infectious series of looped beats, whirring synths and cheering crowd samples. Big Discs is available now via Pets Recordings. Upcoming dates for Eats Everything include the Lost Village Festival (May 27) and Bestival (Sept 8-11)
13) AlunaGeorge – I’m In Control
British electro pop duo AlunaGeorge, (Aluna Francis and George Reid) unveiled their new single ‘I’m In Control’ featuring Popcaan. The single premiered with Annie Mac on Radio 1 and serves up some minimal r&B, with some infectious dancehall vibes and Aluna’s undeniably sweet vocals throughout. Since the release of their 2013 debut Body Music, the duo have appeared on a number of high profile collabs with Jack U, ZHU and Baauer. Expect their second album ‘I Remember’ later this Spring via Interscope/Island Records, featuring production from Flume and ZHU. In the meantime, be sure to catch them at Mardi Gras World East (March 11), Ultra Music Festival (Mar 18-20) and Coachella (April 15-17).
14) Netsky – Work It Out Ft Digital Farm Animals
Belgian drum & bass producer Netsky, has once again teamed up with British production group Digital Farm Animals for their new single ‘Work It Out’. Having previously collaborated on last years summer smash ‘Rio’, Work It Out offers up some anthemic D&B, with catchy vocals, captivating piano riffs and all around feel good vibes. Work It Out is available now via EPIC Records. In the meantime, you can catch them in Montreal (Feb 3) as they kick off their North American tour ‘Netsky and Chill’ – a definite contender for best tour name!
15) Stormzy – One Take Freestyle
Grime artist MC unleashed his fury in new single ‘One Take Freestyle’. The track sees Stormzy take aim at Boxer Dillian Whyte, and the BRIT Awards. With Grime continuing to dominate the music scene, there’s a distinct lack of Grime artists represented in the BRIT Awards and Stormzy creatively and passionately calls them out as ‘Embarrassing’. His rapid rap skills flow with great intensity over original beats from Rude Kidd & Ghetts’ ‘One Take’. Upcoming dates for Stormzy include Digital at Newcastle Upon Tyne (Feb 10) and MADE Birmingham (July 30)
16) Ricky Blaze – Apart ft Alexus Rose
22 year old Brooklyn producer Ricky Blaze, has been championing his Reggae Pop vibes around the globe. For his latest single ‘Apart’, Blaze has teamed up with fellow Brooklyn artists Alexus Rose, whose vocals take center stage throughout, with her hypnotic falsetto style vocals.. Mix that with Blaze’s subtle production, playful rhythms and defined Reggae beats throughout. ‘Apart is taken from Ricky’s forthcoming EP Conquer The Moment, featuring Gyptian, Kranium and more. Conquer the Moment is available now via FME Recordings.
17) Tourist – To Have You Back
London producer William Phillips (AKA Tourist) unveiled his new single ‘To Have You Back’. The slowburner of a track gradually builds, adding further weight to it’s layered electronic textures, and building on the infectious vocal interjections throughout, before reaching its pivotal drop, when all the layers become one and work in such harmony. Having previously worked with the likes of Disclosure, Lianne La Havas, Years and Years and as a co-writer on Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’, Tourist knows how to construct a song to such a high standard. ‘To Have You Back’ is taken from Tourists debut album U, due later this Spring. Be sure to catch Tourist on tour in May, kicking off in Dublin’s Academy (May 7), London’s XOYO (May 11) and festivals including Field Day (June 11-12) and Bestival (Sept 8-11).
18) Fracture – Makin’ Hype Tracks
Charlie Fieber, AKA Fracture, is back with his new single ‘Makin’ Hype Tracks, taken from his forthcoming Hype Tracks EP. Having remained a prominent figure in the drum & bass scene since the early 00’s, Fracture continues to push boundaries with his latest EP, exploring his various influences from Jungle, to drum & bass and footwork. The title track serves up a mass of energy, with its dynamic drum n bass vibes and smooth hip hop influences . The 4-track EP sees Fracture collaborate with Deft on ‘I Just’, and DJ Spinn & Taso on ‘Acid Claps’. Hype Tracks is available February 5th via Exit Records.
19) Rationale – Something For Nothing
With the success of previous singles Fuel To The Fire, The Mire and Fastlane, London-based singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Rationale, has captivated audiences with his blissed out R&B vibes and rich baritone vocals. His latest single ‘Something for Nothing‘ premiered with Annie Mac on Radio 1 and once again serves up some groove-laden riffs, smooth, soulful vocals and blissful synth infused production throughout. Something For Nothing is available now via Best Laid Plans Records. Having smashed his set at Radio 1’s Future Festival, upcoming dates include a Prince Albert in Brighton (March 30th), King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow (April 5) and a headline set at London’s Village Underground (April 7)
20) Royce Wood Junior – Love’s A Lonely Town
Peckham-based Producer Royce Wood Junior, premiered his new single ‘Love’s A Lonely Town’. The single is taken from RWJ’s previously released debut album The Ashen Tang, however the album has since been reissued and features three new tracks. The talented singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and former flatmate of Jamie Woon, delivers a unique blend of future soul, with delightfully intricate synth textures, accompanied by his bluesy, melancholy vocals. The Ashen Tang is available now via 37 Adventures. Upcoming dates for RWJ include London’s Oslo (Feb 10).
Check out the full playlist below, with over 90 minutes for your listening pleasure. I’ve also created a handy Spotify playlist too!
