Author: Lucy Lerner

The recent ‘Speak Up’ event at London’s Fire venue was held in honour of discussing mental health themes in the form of rap battles. It was designed by mental health anti-stigma campaign Time to Change and LADbible, to encourage young people to be more open about mental health and included top talent including Klashnekoff, Madness, Bamalam, Tony D, Real Deal, and Chilla Jones. Hosted by Rap6, ‘Speak Up’ was held to open up the conversation about mental health among a youth audience. The artists involved rapped openly about mental health and how to be a supportive friend, touching on their own…

We always like something a bit different at Neon Music and the video poem which accompanies Anna Wolf’s debut ‘Believer’ certainly caught our attention. ‘Believer’ is the debut single from the South African born, London based artist. It is about her own tumultuous early life, her troubled father and her refusal to become the victim of her circumstance. She wrote it as she was inspired by the need to break the silence over domestic violence. The thought-provoking poem video is hard-hitting, intense and rather unforgettable as Wolf discharges all her memories, thoughts and life into these poignant words. Raw emotion…

‘Birthday’ is part of the double A-side single from Latvian trio Carnival Youth and is a stylish delivery full of boundless energy. ‘Birthday’ and ‘Phantom Planet’ are released today and taken from the band’s forthcoming album ‘Good Luck’, released on March 16th via their own label, Carnival Youth through The Orchard. The two singles compliment each other while remaining completely unique and featuring the band’s distinct style. ‘Birthday’ is uplifting from the word go with an effervescent stream of atmospheric synth-rock, melodic guitars and warm, woozy and harmonious vocals. The accompanying lyric video has an abstract art feel filled with…

A few weeks after his ‘Shameboy’ EP release, Elias Boussnina unveils the visuals for the lead single ’13th floor’ featuring Lil Halima and it’s a jam. ’13th floor’ contains all the qualities we have come to love from ‘Shameboy’: polished R&B with a mysterious, brooding aesthetic. It perfectly compliments Lil Halima’s delicate vocal melodies and the pair make a good team vocally and visually. The music video was the creative vision of Danish producer/director duo Astrid Storm and Rasmus Pazdecki, co-directed and edited by upcoming director Edi Cliff and shot by cinematographer Mathias Tegtmeier. Elias says of making the video,…

We are delighted to be premiering the debut song ‘Poppy’ from London-based artist Ris. The song immediately draws you in with its atmospheric synths, intriguing narrative and Ris’s vocals which are laced with vulnerability: “You took our song and made it your own, You know how it reminds me of home, Of the pot flowers on the porch, that we never bothered planting, And the jagged yellow door that the sunset painted golden.” ‘Poppy’ is deeply personal and touching yet rapturous and heady. Ris really sings from the heart – you can hear it in his voice which quavers with…

Dipo’s rich voice conjures up all the good things in life – classic soul, rhythm and blues and a liquid rush of raw emotion. The Nigerian born, Toronto based artist releases his latest music video for ‘Ain’t No Love’ which is just as slick and classic as the artist and his song. Inspired by soul legends Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendagras and Afro-beat legend Fela Kuti, Dipo emerged onto the music scene in 2009 with his breakout single ‘Be Your Man’ produced by Nigerian producer Spax. He has released other classics including ‘Lagos to Toronto’ and his ‘New Vintage’…

Introducing Afropop duo El’Vee who consists of talented twin sisters Lilian and Vivian Nwaneho who were born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Reading, UK. They still travel regularly to Nigeria and have collaborated with renowned musicians like Don Jazzy, Sarz and Tiwezi amongst others. El’Vee’s latest single ‘My Butter’ produced by Tiwezi is an addictive song which will lift your spirits with its potent blend of melodic harmonies, sensual vocals, range of instrumentals and feel-good beat. With the essence of true Africa, this is a song you will have on repeat and blasting out of your windows this spring.…

Otis Simpson’s ‘Army’ opens with gutsy horns, rich, soaring vocals, and punchy lyrics: “I’ve got to get me something, get me something good, I see it in your eyes you’d stop me if you could” The debut single from the UK soul artist is euphoric and attention-grabbing and Otis is set to do that with his new video premiering on Neon Music today. Opening with stunning shots of London and Otis striding the streets of Covent Garden in an eye-catching red military coat. He oozes confidence and style and the visuals are powerful and reflect emotive themes within the track.…

Get lost in the dreamy vocals of Zachariah, a new pop/R&B artist based in LA who releases his new single ‘Winter Doesn’t Wait’. There is a wistfulness in this acoustic pop song delivered through lush tones and textured layers. My one complaint? At 2 minutes and 41 seconds, I am desperate to hear more. Let’s hope Zachariah doesn’t wait either….for his next release. Zachariah desrcibes the inspiration behind his new single, “The song was inspired by a weekend away from LA on the East Coast,” he continues, “We got to be in the most beautiful remote place – it was…

If you like your music sticky toffee rich, dark, and sultry then look no further than Elias Boussnina whose debut EP ‘Shameboy’ is out today via Universal Music Denmark. It is an intimate and vulnerable representation of emotions we can experience during a relationship. Elias is very expressive through his smooth flowing lyrics and the crisp, fresh production adds a textured edge along with magnetic R&B hooks and dreamy synths. Elias seems to have emerged a fully fledged R&B star. An artist of Danish-Tunisian descent, Elias speaks English, Danish, Arab and French. He grew up listening to hip-hop and American…