Mazi Chukz – “Hustle”:
Determined not to let you forget his name, Mazi Chukz is back again with the visuals to his latest single “Hustle“. The video, directed by Obi-Ten, sees Mazi and friends in full party mode, dancing, taking over the streets and just generally chopping life (because, why not?). Also look out for fellow UK Afrobeats artist Nizzy, getting his ‘one-two step’ on in the video too. “Hustle” is the follow up to the popular singles “One In A Million” and “Ifunanya”. The song is catchy in all the right places, and really does put you in a party mood, which is never a bad thing! All the more reason to keep an eye on Mr Mazi Chukz this year.
Dizzee Rascal + Giggs – “Nutcrackerz”:
Following teasers, Dizzee Rascal debuts his video for the much-anticipated collaboration with Giggs titled “Nutcrackerz”. The Heavytrackerz produced single follows the release of Dizzee Rascal’s Pagans EP in December 2014. Reminiscent of his earlier work, “Nutcrackerz” is a song filled with hard hitting lyrics, as Dizzee Rascal and Giggs go back to back displaying why they’re two of today’s hottest MCs. Directed by Dizzee Rascal, the three-minute visual was filmed on the streets of London and sticks to the theme of the song as Dizzee and Giggs trade verses in their hometown, Peckham and Bow, East London. “Nutcrackerz” will be released on April 18 via Diz’s Dirtee Skank label, watch the video below.
Mista Silva – “B.A.D”:
Having just bagged an Urban Music Award for ‘Best African Act’, Mista Silva kicks off 2015 with a punchy Jamaican dancehall-inspired single in the shape of “B.A.D” (an acronym for Best Achieving Don), interlaced with the uplifting vibes of traditional Ghanaian music. Fresh off the back of a Silver Screen Nation Film and TV Awards nomination for his last video and still a little hungover from last year’s MOBO nomination, Silva continues to fly the flag for a progressive Africa and African diaspora. “B.A.D” is released on April 5 on iTunes and is available for pre-order here, listen to the single below.
Lucy Rose – “Our Eyes”:
The ever-charming Lucy Rose has unveiled the brand new, quirky video for her latest single “Our Eyes”. The video sees the singer-songwriter dressed in an array of outfit choices, ranging from an all in one dog biscuit and sausage ensemble, a grass onesie and finally a suit made up of chips – all whilst animals eating said outfits, naturally. Rose’s new album Work It Out is scheduled for release on July 13, which will be the follow up to her impressive 2012 debut album. Check out the video for “Our Eyes” here, currently touring the UK, Lucy Rose will play the following below dates.
Orla Gartland – “Modern World”:
Orla Gartland is a 20 year old singer/songwriter originally from Ireland, who has recently moved to London. Starting to share her music publicly in 2009, Orla uploaded videos of her singing and playing guitar, performing covers of songs and originals, and her career started to rise slowly when her videos begun getting noticed by swarms of viewers. By 2013, Orla was announcing her first tour, headlining five locations and getting ready to release her debut EP Roots, which was well received, the track “Roots” being named iTunes ‘Single of the Week’ in the UK and Ireland.
In 2015 so far, Orla has been on a roll with writing and dropping new music for her teeming fanbase. Releasing her second EP Lonely People in January, showcasing a more electronic and indie sound, compared to her well-known original acoustic tracks. Continuing on her new sound, this week she previews another track titled “Modern World”. Just finishing her latest tour around the UK, with her band and Greta Isaac, Orla is in Austin, Texas to perform three shows at SXSW this week, full details are listed on her website. Have a listen to “Modern World” down below.
Of Monsters And Men – “Crystals”:
Indie/Folk Band Of Monsters And Men, consisting of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, Ragnar Þórhallsson, Brynjar Leifsson, Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, and Kristján Páll Kristjánsson, formed in their hometown of Iceland in 2010. They found international success in the form of their debut album My Head Is An Animal, which reached topped album charts in Australia, Iceland and Ireland. The track “Little Talks” is possibly their most recognizable track from the album, reaching #1 in most European charts, and getting plenty of radio play in the UK.
Recently the band have released new single “Crystals” which features on their second studio album Beneath The Skin which is due to be released on June 9. The lyric video for “Crystals” was uploaded yesterday and stars Siggi Sigurjóns, an Icelandic actor, comedian and screenwriter, singing along to the track. Of Monsters And Men start a tour of Canada and the US in April, but will be coming over to Europe in June, starting in London. Tickets for the London show will be on sale from March 27, check their website for more details. Listen to their new single “Crystals” below.
Here Is Your Temple – “Equivoke”:
Scandinavian pop-rock group Here Is Your Temple – made up of Andreas Hourdakis (Guitar), Olle Nyman (Drums), Emily McWilliam (Vocals), Ille Borg (Bass) och Mikael Svensson (Keyboards) – have just released a new single “Equivoke”, a heavy track with strong trippy vocals, prominent rhythm section with guitar parts and synths adding to the depth of the track. It seems the band haven’t got many UK live shows booked as of yet, with their last show in London taking place last June, but lets hope they will be back over in the UK soon. The new single “Equivoke” is available for download from today, whilst a full album from the band should be out in October this year. Have a listen to the new single down below.
Lung Dart – “Paradise Turns”:
There’s only one way to describe Lung Dart’s sound and that’s tranquil. They belong to the emerging label Happy Valley Records who are based in London via Hong Kong and are outputting gorgeously modern, indie compositions. Happy Valley have been responsible for sensational band Cloud Castle Lake’s recent releases and it appears their charm has rubbed off with Lung Dart too. Last month Lung Dart released their euphoric track “B. OK” and now have presented the stunning new song “Paradise Turns”.
Lung Dart create music with everyday samples, including the London Underground, a broken washing machine and a cassette player. The mix mash of worldly sounds and expert craft produce a sincere record with a fresh flow. Overlaid by soft vocal harmonies, the duo build their music without haste. “Paradise Turns” is taken from their forthcoming EP EBBS which is set to be released on April 27. Relax and stream “Paradise Turns” below.
Words by Kenny Leavett, Tomi Olujide, Ayo Adepoju, Clare Povey, Jenny Woollett and Oscar Nicholas
