Author: Lucy Lerner

US artists Drea and Conor James have released their gorgeous collaborative 3-track EP Safe Spaces. Featuring tender acoustics and a spacious soundscape 8th Wonder tugs at the heartstrings, Loser In Love is intimate and emotive, and Another World, Another Life delivers the pair’s blissful harmonies and gentle instrumentals. The song is about having an instant connection with someone, in either a romantic or platonic way. Conor adds that “Drea and I have this kind of relationship, which was a huge source of inspiration for the song.” Another World, Another Life is such a stunning song that will surely resonate with many.…

Edinburgh-based artist JORDAN. specialises in dreamy, gossamer layers and warm soundscapes. His latest single Eternal Nurture is taken from his forthcoming debut album and after listening to his catalogue of music to date, frankly, we can’t wait to hear more from this young artist. Eternal Nurture is a mesmerizing song with rich vocals and a glossy oil slick of textures and colours. Certainly one to warm your bones and have on repeat this winter.

New Zealand-based group French for Rabbits knows how to make dreamy music you can drift into. Their new album The Overflow includes their distinctive ethereal sound filled with warmth, a spacious soundscape, intimate vocals and a dusting of psychedelia. One of our favourite songs on the album is the haunting The Outsider, “an introvert’s anthem that finds joy in the act of being alone. The song distils the feeling of being an awkward introvert at a party – staring at your phone on the edges of a crowd.” Lead singer-songwriter Brooke Singer told Neon Music exclusively about this release: “I’d…

For some smooth, nostalgic 00’s R&B sink into the delectable Let Me Know by Sage Harris featuring the iconic group Jagged Edge. The Toronto artist teamed up with group to put a fresh and sultry spin on their hit 2001 Where The Party At which originally featured Nelly. “A dream come true is an understatement to how honoured I feel to have a legendary R&B group whom I’ve admired for my whole life share a song with me. I will forever be grateful and hope the world and R&B lovers feel the same way about the song as I did…

For an emotionally rich experience listen to Bradley Baker’s single Seasons. With emotive vocals, stripped back sound and stirring lyrics the song is bound to tug at your heartstrings. Seasons is about life changing with each season but how love remains, “it’s funny how the seasons change, it’s sunny then it’s freezing rain, but I will always feel the same.” With only three releases to date, the young artist from Cornwall has established he can create intricate, well-crafted songs that resonate with the listener and offer an intimate listening experience. Bradley Baker’s latest single Younger is out now.

For high-energy, empowering music then look no further than the “Princess of Afro-fusion”, Princess Wonda. An independent music artist, Princess Wonda blends genres effortlessly with a trademark Afro-based sound as a base. Her music is an unforgettable mix of catchy melodies and dynamic beats – it is music to get lost in. We caught up with Princess Wonda to find out more about the challenges of being an independent artist, how she has coped during the pandemic, her new album Fantasy Fair and more. How would you describe your sound to new listeners? I am an Afro-fusion artist and that sounds…

Party season is officially here, and Your Sweet Power by Stark x Kestra is a must for your party playlist. Featuring a catchy chorus, smooth funk bassline, powerful vocals and spreading feel-good vibes, it has all the ingredients for a festive tune. Stark, a London-based songwriter and producer, has outdone himself with Your Sweet Power and the expressive vocals from Kestra elevate this soulful track to new heights. Your Sweet Power is out now.

AFRO LOVER is a delicious cocktail of smooth vocals and lyrics, and a charming hook glazed with a mellow afro-fusion style. Lagos-based Afrobeats musician D’NYRA captures the intimate vibes on the track and his talents complement the vocals of Tmaro, the Germany-based Afrobeats singer and DJ. The song has a simple love story at its heart as D’NYRA asks his loved one to be his “Afro Lover”. This new release follows D’NYRA’s 7-track debut album STAR SIGNS which dropped last year and reflects a range of moods and styles. AFRO LOVER is a must for any romantic or chilled playlists.…

Toronto based emcee/producer DIE-REK drops the easy-breezy Diddy Dum Diddy Doo. With a luxuriously 90s conscious hip-hop vibe, it drifts on a heady wave of instrumentals and a punchy yet relatable flow. Accompanying visuals are kept simple but in line with the chilled feel of the track and allowing DIE-REK to shine.  DIE-REK will be dropping his full-length LP Year of Redemption next year via Illect Recordings.

BIM releases the potent I Still Remember. With expressive vocals, stunning instrumentals and a sensitive subject matter, the song lingers long in your mind. The London-based singer-songwriter drops a thought-provoking single, the second from her forthcoming EP which promises more compelling music fusing her soul and gospel influences. I still remember touches on the experience of being black in the UK and frustration pours through each dynamic note as to how pain was ignored and how it took so long for everyone else to see so much was wrong. It was written in the summer of 2020 when it seemed…