Melle Brown + Oli Hannaford – “Background Noise”
Released via the Future Bounce imprint of Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra) and Helena Antoniades, “Background Noise” is the excellent new single from 22-year old London producer and DJ Melle Brown featuring vocalist Oli Hannaford, and the first offering from her debut EP titled Intersection, which is due for release this Friday, April 26.
The soulful House offering was premiered last month on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 1Xtra by Toddla T as well as on Complex, and has been picking up steam since then, and there is no real surprise as to why – the track is really infectious, drawing from Melle Brown’s vast Neo-Soul, Jazz and House music sensibilities, to create something I personally enjoyed and thought you might like as well.
According to Melle Brown, the inspiration behind “Background Noise” comes “from a place of self-belief & determination. Treating negative energy/various opinions that may lead you astray as Background Noise; allowing you to focus on what really matters, whatever that may be… I’d like that part to become unique to the person/ears on the receiving end of the track“.
About signing Melle Brown to her imprint and her upcoming EP, Jamz Supernova says “Working with Melle has been a dream, I’m a real advocate of pushing female producers & Melle was the first person I wanted to work with. This project has been a year in the making and I couldn’t be happier with how it sounds. It’s a brilliant EP from start to finish & I can’t wait for the world to hear it“.
BAELY – “Talking To The Walls”
Spurred by classic influences and inspired by contemporary creatives, rising talent BAELY has released his debut single “Talking To The Walls“.
If there is one track that you have to listen to this week, it’s definitely this one. Riddled with sharp, punchy synths and a distorted bassline, the track closely compliments the song’s subject matters that touch on obsession, addiction and a breakdown in communication.
BAELY taps Marco Bernardis and Grammy award-winner Tyler Acord for production on this intense electro-R&B track. Two thirds of the much-lauded Radiant Children, they aid in concocting a symphony of dramatic yet ambitious sounds. BAELY’s vocals, without doubt, take centre stage. His deep, rich, sumptuous tone and soulful arrangements captivate from first note.
Raised in a musical family, his influences span from legends Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, to contemporaries Miguel and The Internet. The London based singer has been honing his skills for years, singing alongside undeniable talent like Kwabs, Jordan Rakei and Will Heard.
Now as a soloist, BAELY is spreading his wings. He featured on Tyler Acord’s debut single “You’ve Changed” and has collaborated with notable names such as Duke Dumont and Jarreau Vandal. With this new single, BAELY preps for a breakout year that will include more singles, an EP and live performances. We certainly can’t wait to see him flourish.
Olami Still – “One Time”
Over the last two years, UK rapper Olami Still has smashed in to the UK Rap scene. Collaborations with some of the UK’s biggest names shows he has the levels that fellow artists want to work with. And with this, he marks a brand new chapter with the new single and visuals for “One Time“.
The release of the new video comes as Olami Still presents his latest EP Guide Me Through. More on that later. His new single “One Time” is an exquisite piece of UK rap. Bouncy flows, lyrical wordplay, melodic beats and skittering snares wind round a singsong hook on one of the EP’s most upbeat records.
With D L K‘s masterful production and Olami Still’s infectiously charming delivery, the record is contemporary yet holds a classic feel. Furthermore, he teams up with director Ross Perkins for a lavish music video which solidifies his come-up story and celebrates his successes.
Freshly dropped, Olami Still presents Guide Me Through, the follow-up to 2017’s Guide Me Out. It features undeniable production and unique features and touches on the story of his journey so far. A culmination of nifty piano riffs, jazzy summer vibes and a mixture of laidback and bouncy flows makes Guide Me Through a must listen!
Olami Still has made huge strides since dropping on the scene. His previous releases have landed him in the top 3 iTunes Hip Hop chart and reeled in impressive support across Kiss Fresh, BBC Radio 1Xtra and Trench Magazine. Providing drippings of sauce for the summer, Olami Still makes a strong gain in the Rap scene with this smashing new release.
Olivia Nelson – “No Answer”
She first caught the attention of many with her standout 2018 single “Smother Me” but 23-year-old singer/songwriter Olivia Nelson is back for 2019! With the later following EP For You a great success, she presents her first release since with new single “No Answer“.
The track is the first to be shared from her forthcoming Back To You EP – an independent release this summer. “No Answer” takes Olivia’s knack for narrative storytelling and combines it with inventive, future-leaning production. The trap soul-esque vibe is something fresh for the London singer but she leaves her mark with her true-to-her-roots, rich R&B vocal arrangements.
Speaking on her new single, Olivia explains: “‘No Answer’ is about when you’re trying to get ahold of someone and they’re purposely ignoring your call to play games, so you start to do the same to them.”
Raised on an eclectic diet of contemporary soul and Motown classics, Olivia’s appreciation for vocal proficiency lead her to pursue singing from a young age. Bursting properly onto the scene in 2017, she’s had numerous tastemakers giving her the nod including Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Notion, Push and Complex.
Now seeking collaborations with boundary-pushing writers and producers, Olivia’s forthcoming EP promises to blend her formative influences with modern twists, soulful vocals and contemporary production feels.
Dyo – “Arena”
In her long and fairly fruitful career in music to date, Dyo has amassed a plethora of songwriting and guest vocal credits. Faithfully lending her hand and abilities, she’s graced tracks from Wiley to Fifth Harmony to NEIKED. Dyo has been the chameleon of the music world, and now she shines more colourful than ever with her new single “Arena“.
Making her official debut entrance, it’s the perfect melting pot of the artist we recognise. Featuring her signature cool vocal backed by joyful afrobeats, it is the gateway to a good time. That notable high-pitched hook wiggles into the subconscious as an inescapable intake of happiness. Here we have a transcendent track with a danceable groove that is the perfect summer playlist addition.
The video perfectly complements this and embodies all things afrocentricity. Set at a house party in full swing, we see a beautiful array of black men and women just enjoying the moment. Love is most certainly in the air and the feel good dancing is infectious. Not to mention Dyo is the centerpiece of the visuals, with her her regal and ethereal presence exuding through the screen.
“It instinctively felt right,” Dyo explains, speaking on her amazing new single. “I tried to keep my options open but it’s the song that I kept coming back to.”
“Arena” stands as a signal post of a wonderful chapter in her career. As she readies the EP, just expect a collection of more phenomenal tunes that fully express the breadth of Dyo’s art. Now standing beneath her own spotlight, Dyo can truly shine in her own glory.
Duckwrth + Rico Nasty – “Love Is Like A Moshpit”
Endorsed by music greats Anderson Paak & Quincy Jones, LA artist Duckwrth releases his brand new single “Love Is Like A Moshpit” featuring Rico Nasty.
Taken from his upcoming project, THE FALLING MAN, the track is produced by Medasin and is another honest, reality check following previous introspective singles “Fall Back” and “Soprano“. It’s a biting new single, passionately led by solemn piano chords but vocally has a rock-esque edge. Fellow rapper Rico Nasty tags in, giving us ferocious yet passionate rap/sung verse that ties the whole track together.
Set to release on May 17, THE FALLING MAN is a candid look into Duckwrth’s psyche and his journey as an artist and a man.
Inspired by awakening experiences from his worldwide travels and day-to-day circumstances, THE FALLING MAN addresses the reality and fear of falling as quickly as you rise. Touching on topics of love, lust, finance, focus, egotism and the struggle of staying true to who you are, the project parallels the ups and downs of an artist to a royal king and back to an everyday person.
In addition to the upcoming release of THE FALLING MAN, Duckwrth will hit the road, with performances in Australia from April 23 to May 11 and a string of European festivals after. 2019 is set to be a major breakout year for Duckwrth.
Words by Jay Tijani and Ayo Adepoju
