Five tracks that hit us hard. A dedicated Spotify playlist here.
Hannah Elkins - ‘Moving in the City’
Having recently upped sticks from her hometown in Bournemouth to the creative hub of Berlin, Hannah Elkins felt so inspired that she wrote the new single ‘Moving in the City’. As well as her own move, Hannah notes that she was also influenced by key movements that have taken place over the last few years, and “how communities can come together to help create positive change”. “We’ve got to rise up to set things in motion / Open our eyes and show our devotion / And when our time’s up we’ll tell our children / We made a change / We were the change”, Hannah sings in the song’s pre-chorus. Needless to say, the pop and soul artist notes Lianne La Havas, Jessie Ware and Rosie Lowe amongst her key influences, yet creates a sound wholly her own. On ‘Moving in the City’, Hannah pulls on notes of jazz and soul, her crystalline voice shining throughout. (Written By)
Harry Jay Robinson - ‘The Gauntlet’
If you haven’t seen any of the latest Marvel movies, go and watch them before listening to Harry Jay Robinson’s dream-rap single “The Gauntlet”. A very pretty song about the different, infinite possibilities your life could have turned out if you had chosen differently in the past. If you have ever heard of the word “multiverse” then you’re either a physician, a philosopher or a simple fan of Marvel’s MCU like me. Jokes aside, Harry Jay Robinson delicately introduces us to his kind of music, which he calls “dream-rap”, with influences from lo-fi, RnB and rap genres. The upcoming Leeds artist has already achieved incredible goals like his first million streams on his track “You Are Not Charles Bukowski” (without any help from a manager or label) and being featured in huge magazines the likes of Euphoria Magazine. (Written By)
Swt Valli Hi - ‘Let’s Ride’
Cloudy skies? No more. Swt Valli Hi has released a summertime gem of a song called ‘Let’s Ride’ that is full of wonderful rhythms and melodies that are sure to brighten your day, your week and even your year. The American singer and songwriter created the song with the intention of expressing the ups and downs of city life and keeping those who are loyal to you close. The smooth RnB track shows Swt Valli Hi’s powerful vocal range with a mixture of sultry low tones and high delicate notes that lead to her talent and authentic style. The song is introduced with a funky bass melody and droning synth effects as the vocals start to tell the story with a mixture of agile singing and flowing vocal melodies. As the song progresses into the chorus, this is where it will get stuck in your head as the rhythms and overall groove captivates you with its smooth sound and powerful vocal performance. (Written By)
Jack Landess - ‘Mocean’
Boasting a sound balanced between dream-pop and guitar-based shoegaze, young talent Jack Landess treats us to his debut release, ‘Mocean’. Built around personal experiences and the need to express himself, the American artist manages to convince us that if we should keep an eye on any new project, it should be his. And yes, we are convinced! Emerging from Nashville, US, Jack Landess started writing music to share his journey as an undergraduate, during his first semester at Belmont University. As the artist described: “I was super nervous about making friends and leaving everything I knew”. We couldn’t be more grateful to him for going to University; after all, that’s how we got to hear ‘Mocean’. (Written By)
State Assembly - ‘Here Summer’
North London producer, Steve Youll, AKA State Assembly, releases the summer anthem, ‘Here Summer’. With a snappy four-on-the-floor rhythm and sweet, soothing melodies, it will get you on your feet and ready to chase the sun. Youll writes and produces all of his work, while calling on vocalists from around the world to feature in his tracks. His main influences are The Rolling Stones, Michael Kiwanuka, David August, Men I Trust, Mac DeMarco. ‘Here Summer’ captures the feeling perfectly of being in the midst of the summer dream, never wanting it to end, but knowing it will be gone in the blink of an eye. The lyric, “I never leave first, it's a curse, in the summer” could not be more accurate. I recommend adding this song to your summer playlist - you will not be disappointed. (Written By)