Joshua Luke Smith + Oddisee – “Undone”
Spoken word veteran and rapper Joshua Luke Smith builds upon his fierce reputation as a talented hip hop lyricist and skillful wordsmith with the sheer energy of spreading love in this new track “Undone” featuring the US heavyweight himself, Oddisee.
With “Undone” , Joshua Luke Smith aims to comfort those who have ever encountered pain whether this be through doubt, abuse, regret or loss. Describing the track as “a record about the conqueror of all these: Hope”.
Directed by James Green (Of Dust And Stars), the visual is a chilling yet powerful and uplifting piece on the idea of redemption. Smith appears to be ministering to a group whose hands are stained red, possibly a metaphor for the doubt, abuse and regret he speaks of. Yet he takes the lead, physically helping them to wash their hands of it all.
Inspired by the music that was embedded in him from a child through his family – the likes of Tom Petty, Tracy Chapman, Cat Stevens, the melodic structure of folk and 60/70’s rock married the soulful rhythms of hip hop which pushed Smith to give voice to the observations, struggles, joys, and complexities of his world through music.
James Gillespie – “Lost”
Following his latest critically-acclaimed release “Good Life“, English born, Scottish-raised alternative singer/songwriter James Gillespie continues to emerge as one of the most interesting artists coming out of the city right now. Following on from his incredible debut “What You Do” , James comes through with his brand new offering – “Lost”
Lost builds on momentum already garnered – it’s a trademark charismatic yet stripped-back guitar-driven anthem until a crunchy chorus takes it into completely electronica vibe which might come as an unexpected surprise for listeners as uncharted new territory. With the right artistic finesse, James has combines the two to create some magic.
Speaking on the track, James states: “Lost is about not being able to survive without her. It’s about losing everything else and not caring. It’s her telling you that you’re nothing except the love she gives.”
Co-producing all of his own music, James is currently working with Andy Hall Hall (Rag ‘n’ Bone Man) on some new material. With a body of work that continues to surprise as much as it does impress, be prepared to hear a lot more from this emerging star in the months to come.
ABISHA – “Nothing Matters”
The unmistakable British alt-R&B singer-songwriter ABISHA follows the rapid success of previous singles “All That” and “Project X“, with the unveiling of another effortless slice of electro-R&B in the form of “Nothing Matters“.
Combining a minimalist approach to production with sweet vocals and abstract lyrical insights into romance and relationships, “Nothing Matters” feels like the soundtrack to a sci-fi love story. It’s an atmospheric, progressive, sound that is set to light up the music underground.
The visuals are an exceptionally shot black and white affair and is the latest instalment in a series of videos from the south London newcomer. It’s sensual and sultry without being too suggestive and a nudge to her sexuality in the enigmatic and moody mostly performative piece.
“‘Nothing Matters‘ reveals a different side of me than my first two singles. It breaks down the wall to show a more light-hearted, yet vulnerable side, with the lyrics detailing how I feel when someone’s not around and that nothing matters when they’re gone.” ABISHA says.
Tobi Sunmola – “Be My Lover”
After a short break from the music scene, Tobi Sunmola now comes through with his new track “Be My Lover“, taken from his forthcoming EP Good Guys Don’t Survive, to once again prove his inevitable versatility. From gritty hip-hop to chilled soul and intellectual poetry.
And as Tobi’s artistry crosses genres, so does his latest track. From providing raw and edgy vocals on the production – that seems like a funk soul hybrid – to slipping more into some Hip-Hop as the song progresses, “Be My Lover” is an eclectic mix of sounds and is testament to his influences. Tobi’s dynamism is clearly what will set him apart from other artists.
Since moving to Manchester at the age of sixteen, developing his passion for music at his local youth centre has led him to garner support from local press including the The Metro and Manchester Evening News. Since this, the young artist has been named as MOBO’s ‘One to Watch’, as well as being championed by notable radio DJ’s including Huw Stephens and Mistajam.
Tobi says of first single “Be My Lover”: “The track is about love that is broken but it’s love regardless and that love keeps us connected.”
FAZER – “Bad In Real Life”
Platinum-selling artist/rapper, songwriter, producer, and DJ Richard Rawson AKA Fazer returns with another heater, reaffirming his strength as a solo artist. Formerly 1/3 of the hip hop group N-Dubz and over ten years of life in the public eye, he’s back to cause some serious damage with his latest offering.
With his solo projects on the horizon, Fazer comes through with his highly-anticipated new track “Bad In Real Life“. With a lilting, tropical instrumental, Fazer delivers his trademark silky flows, documenting his rising position in a significantly competitive UK music scene.
Braggadocious visuals follow through quite smoothly. It seems like the array of wheels are the real stars of the show. Whether it’s two wheels or four, we are seeing Fazer flexing real hard – we see Fazer rolling around on a quad bike with his team dripping in sauce as they follow suit with theirs.
Since being an integral part of N Dubz platinum success, Fazer has been a force to be reckoned with in music. Setting up his own venture Sky’s The Limit Entertainment, he’s enjoyed No.1 success with Tulisa’s “Young” in 2012 and with numerous other artists including Jessie J and Rita Ora. Fazer’s determined to cause some waves in the scene, and with the kind of moves he’s making, sleep on this star at your peril.
Josh Goddard – “Roll With Me”
Having picked up support from the likes of BBC Introducing and playing major festival slots, Mancunian singer/songwriter Josh Goddard looks on with the release of “Roll With Me” – the eponymous first single from his new EP.
A grooved-out affair from start to finish, “Roll With Me” shows a new versatility to Josh’s songwriting whilst maintaining all of the soul influences that make Josh stand-out as a serious emerging talent. His smooth, gravel-flecked vocals are underpinned by driving basslines and a lively horn section, carving a new lane of exciting pop music.
On the track Josh states: “’Roll With Me’ is feel-good, old-school love song. It’s about when you first meet a girl and you don’t want to be apart, you don’t want to do anything else but “play” around all day”
Born and bred in Manchester, Josh Goddard found himself formulating a love of Motown before he had even picked up an instrument. At a young age Josh was introduced to a range of influences including Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, all of which are evident in his debut body of work, Roll With Me EP.
Words by Jay Tijani
