Albums | Movada drops speed garage cut in collaboration with viral sensation K.A.D and Sluggy Beats
Posted by VMan on April 7, 2024
A name becoming fast known for his R’n’B-infused dance tracks, DJ and producer Movada has teamed up with viral sensation K.A.D, beat maker Sluggy Beats and vocalist Dàhda on new single, ‘Love U Better’. A high-energy, speed-garage cut with the smoothest of beats, this UK assemble blend noughties basslines with inspirations of Destiny’s Child into what already sounds like an anthem in the making.
Hailing from Leeds, UK, Movada has been on a fine run of form with a vast array of recent hits to his name that have clocked the producer over 30 spins on BBC Radio 1. These include his tech house rework of Akon’s 2005 hit ‘Bananza (Belly Dancer)’ – 27m views on TikTok alone – and on Perfect Havoc, ‘Push It’ which received 13 consecutive plays on BBC Radio 1, and most recently, the bouncy floorfiller ‘Closer’ with South London rapper, BAMY. With music synced to Love Island UK plus co-writing and production credits for Matoma and The Vamps, Movada’s influence continues to grow. Stay tuned for more Movada collaborations later this year with RITON, ESSEL and Craig Gorman.
Joining Movada on this latest single is South East London-born, K.A.D. A rising star in the world of music production, K.A.D went viral with the single ‘Just How You Like It’ when it dominated playlists and For You pages on TikTok where it reached over 3.3 billion views and the number 1 spot on the TikTok Charts. It prompted the “keep it lemon” trend – meaning “keep it cool” or “fresh” – with scores of creators uploading their own vids miming to K.A.D’s comical lyrics.
Completing the producer trio on ‘Love U Better’ is garage beat maker, Sluggy Beats, whose name is on the up thanks to his popular freestyle series In The House which celebrates the best MCs in the game. And written by Malika who has previously penned songs for Nathan Dawe, Snakehips and SG Lewis, it’s no wonder this single already has anthem vibes.
Now in its 9th year, Perfect Havoc continues to push the envelope of crossover dance music and to build on over 10 billion global streams, six UK Top 20 singles and multiple platinum, gold, and silver awards. For the rest of the year, Perfect Havoc also has tracks lined up from PS1 and label head Adam Griffin, Kokiri, Tobtok & Oliver Nelson, Stephani B and more, each bringing a bigger sound and energy than before.
Albums | Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie shares preview of daily stage lineups for inaugural event
Posted by VMan on April 5, 2024
With just a few months remaining until the debut of Summer Camp Music Festival’s new festival concept, Solshine: A Music and Arts Reverie, the festival has unveiled a preview of the eagerly anticipated daily stage lineups for the Moonshine, Illumination, and Campfire stages, along with the release of two-day passes for Saturday and Sunday, as well as single-day passes.
The event’s inaugural edition will take place at Summer Camp’s beloved venue of Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois from Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26, 2024, with a pre-party on Thursday, May 23.
Get your tickets HERE now!
Albums | Bobby Basil Shares New Single “I’ll Die First”
Posted by VMan on April 3, 2024
Dublin-born hip-hop sensation Bobby Basil (AKA Isaac Nelson) has returned to the spotlight with his latest single, “I’ll Die First”, a poignant and introspective piece that showcases the artist’s deep emotional journey and spiritual awakening.
Since bursting onto the music scene in 2014, Bobby Basil has captivated audiences with his unique blend of Caribbean influences and raw, honest lyricism. Inspired by his own experiences and fuelled by a newfound commitment to sobriety and faith, Bobby has solidified his place as one of hip-hop’s most compelling voices.
“I’ll Die First” serves as the title track for Bobby’s highly anticipated forthcoming album, slated for release later this year. The single, characterised by its dusty nostalgic alternative hip-hop vibe, features Bobby’s charismatic delivery and introspective lyrics, inviting listeners into his world of longing and self-discovery.
Bobby describes “I’ll Die First” as “a suicide letter to God”, a cathartic purge of the old self to make way for a new beginning in the name of Jesus Christ. The track’s catchy guitar sample underscores the emotional depth and sincerity of Bobby’s message, setting the stage for a soul-stirring musical experience. Accompanying the single is an equally captivating music video (co-directed by Megan Robinson alongside Bobby Basil), further enhancing the immersive storytelling of “I’ll Die First.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Bobby shares, “I created this track in my mate’s studio drunk off whiskey after six months of being sober and a dedicated Christian.” This raw authenticity permeates throughout the song, offering listeners a genuine glimpse into Bobby’s journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Albums | MarMar drops new single, “Heart”
Posted by VMan on April 1, 2024
Check out a taste off Australian artist MarMar’s forthcoming EP, which is coming soon, above now! Read a quote from him on the release below.
“I wrote the instrumental for Heart originally as a much more piano centred track. It was a pretty emotional concept, and I was really leaning into the expression of the chords and melody. When I asked John (aka Easy Morning) to work on vocals with me, we created a story of lost love, and being so happy to see someone again that you never fully got to be honest with. Heart is a story about meeting up with someone from your past and finally being able to pour out your emotion to them but being hesitant about whether that’s the right thing to do or not.” ~ MarMar
Albums | Ireland based label Outstraight Records Releases new EP
Posted by VMan on March 9, 2024
‘Being Outstraight’ is more than just an EP; it’s a sonic journey through the vibrant energy of the 10-artist strong collective. With seven tracks that span the spectrum of hip-hop sounds, this release is set to redefine Irish hip-hop and place it firmly on the global map.
The lead single, ‘Drive Around,’ commands attention from the get-go. Graham, one of the collective’s talents, delivers a classic yet distinctly Irish take on hip-hop. With a nod to old-school boom bap and a chilled bassline, this track is reminiscent of hip-hop greats like Loyle Carner and Freddie Gibbs. Graham’s rap performance is intoxicating, drawing listeners in with its raw energy and undeniable authenticity. Check it out above now!
Albums | DLG. & Healy connect for “NO SLACK”
Posted by VMan on March 9, 2024
In the bustling landscape of Los Angeles, emerging singer/songwriter DLG. stands out as a rising star, and his latest single “NO SLACK” with Healy is a testament to his growing influence. Released via 10K Projects, this track is more than just another addition to his discography; it’s a profound reflection on the challenges faced by musicians in the industry. Would love to hear these two work on more music in the future but in the meantime I’ll have this one on repeat!
Albums | Jon Le Vert Shares New Single & Video for “WHITNEY (TOO YOUNG)”
Posted by VMan on March 7, 2024
Emerging artist Jon Le Vert, a Chicago native, has released his new single, “WHITNEY (TOO YOUNG)”. The track, a compelling blend of intense, dark alternative hip-hop, explores perseverance, overcoming challenges and the impact of personal stories on inspiring others.
Having experienced lifelong battles with rejection, anxiety, self-doubt and the imposter syndrome that comes with years of a shaky foundation and little familial support, Jon Le Vert found solace and expression initially in acting and filmmaking. His journey led him to a recurring role in the Netflix original series Daybreak (2019). Now, in his twenties, Jon is breaking through the barriers that held him back, embracing a new chapter in his artistic career.
“WHITNEY (TOO YOUNG)” is not just a musical endeavour for Jon Le Vert; it’s a deeply personal coming-of-age story. The lyrics and composition draw inspiration from his mother’s journey, highlighting her perseverance and strength through challenging moments. Jon aims to convey a message of resilience and determination, emphasising the impact that one’s story can have on inspiring others.
The accompanying music video, self-directed by Jon Le Vert and shot by cinematographer Chris Sinnemann, adds a visual dimension to the powerful narrative of “WHITNEY (TOO YOUNG)”. The video complements the intense atmosphere of the track, providing viewers with a captivating visual experience.
Speaking about the new single, Jon Le Vert shares, “We never know how much we inspire others by simply persevering through our darkest, most challenging moments. I wanted to write a coming-of-age story from the perspective of my mom; her perseverance and overall story have inspired me immensely to push forward despite the dysfunction and doubt I experienced in my own life. As I produced and wrote the track, I wanted to combine hip-hop with elements of electronic.”
With “WHITNEY (TOO YOUNG)”, Jon Le Vert invites listeners to join him on a musical and emotional journey, celebrating the strength found in vulnerability and the power of personal stories to inspire change.