Author: Marcus Adetola

Exploring new music. Explaining it shortly after. Keeping the classics close. Neon Music founder.

In the vast landscape of Afrobeat, it’s not often that a track emerges with the kind of raw energy and authenticity that Cheque’s Hustler brings to the table. Teaming up with Fireboy DML, this new release from his Chequemate EP is a magnetic blend of rhythm, lyricism, and emotion. From the get-go, Hustler draws listeners into its world. The song’s opening lines, “Emi Omologo / Everywhere I go them dey follow,” are not just words but an invitation into Cheque’s universe, one where dreams are chased with fervour and obstacles are mere stepping stones. The narrative is compelling, painting a…

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In Electric Nights, the indie-pop sensation from Brooklyn, Emmrose, has crafted a song that is deeply personal and relatable. It’s a nostalgic journey through the highs and lows of young love, wrapped in a dreamy synth-pop package. She has joined forces with fellow indie artist Richard Orofino, a collaboration that has proven to be a match made in synth-pop heaven. Electric Nights was born out of a partnership that began in 2020 under the auspices of Secret Road music label. Their previous collaborations, ‘Afterlife’ and ‘Ragdoll’, were just a taste of the magic that these two can create together. The track…

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Fallin’ by Jordy, taken from The Love Ting EP, is a woozy, mellow affair that finds the Essex-based rapper serenading a special lady with dreamy, sweet melodies. Jordy’s silky-smooth vocals float effortlessly over a well-crafted instrumental accompaniment of well-timed beats and guitar strings, delivering lines that are both intimate and vulnerable. The chorus, where he repeats “I’m Fallin'” several times, further encapsulates the track’s theme as Jordy bares his soul with sheer vulnerability. It’s an undeniably beautiful, poignant moment that many can relate to—the feeling of falling deeply in love. Fallin’ showcases Jordy’s ability to craft beautiful, emotionally resonant music. It’s the…

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Clubhouse, the Ohio-bred trio, has released a new track, Ohio, that is as much a love letter to their home state as to their musical evolution. The band, comprising Max Reichert (vocals) and twin brothers Ari (guitar) and Zak (drums) Blumer, has crafted a track that is both a nostalgic reflection and a bold step forward. Ohio is a song that transports listeners to the band’s roots, both geographically and musically. It’s a blend of acoustic and electric guitars, live drums, and a vocal delivery from Reichert that is as raw and genuine as the lyrics it accompanies. The result…

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US-based Dutch native Femkes latest track, Love Somebody Else, is a forlorn and haunting exploration of a relationship gone awry, where love turns into obsession and trust gives way to betrayal. The song opens with delicate instrumentals and a soft and subtle backdrop that allows Femke’s emotive vocals to take centre stage. The lyrics are a poignant narration of a personal experience, one that Femke herself lived through. The tale of an ex-boyfriend turned stalker is chilling, and the duality of his character is captured with a deft touch. “You never turned back wouldn’t take my calls / As if…

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Independent singer-songwriter Abby Carroll’s Lovers To Strangers is a poignant exploration of the transient nature of relationships. One moment, you’re the epitome of a perfect couple, and the next, you’re strangers. Carroll’s emotive vocals, laden with a palpable sense of sorrow, perfectly encapsulate this rapid transformation. Abby’s voice, a unique blend of tenderness and strength, creates an intimate bond that’s hard to shake off as she weaves intricate narratives of love and loss, set against the backdrop of a dreamy, melancholic production—a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. The melodies and harmonies blend seamlessly, creating a soundscape that’s as comforting as it is haunting.…

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Kitty Noble’s Body to Body is an emotional odyssey, a soulful ballad imbued with jazz-influenced rhythms and airy harmonies, offering listeners a glimpse into a world where music and emotion intertwine effortlessly. Kitty’s voice is the centrepiece of Body to Body. They dance between delicate instrumentals, creating a melody that lingers like a sweet afterthought. Her delivery, akin to an old soul, gently traverses delicate instrumentals, creating a soundscape that is both ethereal and grounded with airy harmonies to create a sonic experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.The lyrics of Body to Body are a journey into vulnerability…

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22-year-old independent New York artist Dani Stocksdale has crafted a poignant and relatable anthem with her latest release, Swimming Pools, and it’s one that resonates with the digital generation’s struggle to find love. Stocksdale’s Swimming Pools is not about a leisurely dip on a hot summer day. It’s a metaphorical exploration of relationships, a subject that feels as vast and intimidating as the deep end of a pool. The song’s lyrics are a candid reflection of Stocksdale’s own experiences, painting a vivid picture of the Gen Z dating scene. The song opens with a therapeutic suggestion to go to a bar alone,…

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Scottish singer-songwriter Tommy Ashby’s reimagined version of Moonflowers, taken from his debut album Lamplighter, is more than just a delightful tune. It’s an invitation to an immersive auditory adventure that transcends the conventional listening experience. With his emotive songwriting and gentle vocals, Ashby has always had the ability to connect with listeners. But with Moonflowers, he takes a bold leap into the realm of binaural recording, a technique that replicates the human hearing experience in spatial audio. The result? A uniquely panned, dynamic listening experience that is as immersive as it is beautiful. The magic of the reimagined version of…

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Multi-talented rising star Kimono Pat’s latest single, Demon Slayer, treads the line between the contemporary and the traditional; it’s a journey and a battle cry all rolled into one. Kimono Pat draws inspiration from the anime of the same name and crafts a song that transcends mere fandom. Demon Slayer is a reflection of the artist’s own struggles, a musical embodiment of the dichotomy between despair and triumph. It’s a theme that resonates deeply, not just with fans of Japanese culture but with anyone who has ever felt the weight of life’s challenges. Musically, Demon Slayer is a captivating fusion…

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