On to the third month of 2019 and it feels like the year is already flashing right before our eyes. No need to worry about it, though, there’s still 9 months to go and if that doesn’t reassure you then, maybe, this week’s batch of songs might just do the trick.
The UK has seen a heavy flow of albums come from a range of heavy acts such as Little Simz, Fredo, D-Block Europe and many others. But this week’s 5 for Friday includes a good bunch of songs that share stark differences to the most popular sounds out there. We introduce you to a few new songs from acts here and beyond, so go ahead and tap into something new.
Tay Iwar – Sidelines
A new entry and an unfamiliar name that’s going to arouse your interest in the days to come. Tay Iwar is the 21-year-old Nigerian singer-songwriter swinging love ballads and infused sounds into a microphone.
‘Sidelines’ is a gentle selection made up of crooked acoustics and native drums spread over beaming sound waves. With crystal clear vocals that translate psalms into modern-day love notes, Tay Iwar sings about the sting of a lost love. “Maybe if you paid more attention you wouldn’t be the one on the sideline looking for love and affection”, he sings, imparting sun-kissed croons over the medley. It’s no surprise why he’s being supported and championed by Soulection who he shares his debut album ‘Gemini’ with, and it’s set for a 29th March release.
Kojey Radical – 25 feat. KZ
Kojey Radical has always been the one to push boundaries with his creative output and ’25’ is his latest single which comes packaged with a stellar visual.
The high-tone quivers over the ascending tones radiate a warm, euphoric beam on the celestial production. ’25’ is a cause to celebrate and Kojey makes a toast to life by glossing over bitter truths – “I thank Jah that I’m alive, most my brothers gone by 25”. KZ slots through a catchy jingle over harmonic flutes and synths that lace an infectious kick to the upbeat anthem. To put it short the visual is cinematic, but you’re going to have to catch a glimpse of it yourself.
Jamila Woods – EARTHA
Chicago’s Jamila Woods enters the fold with her new single ‘Eartha’, a easy joint which exudes soulful sequence and hypnotic groves over a ‘90s bounce.
‘Eartha’ is a partly organised arrangement offset with unique sounds that dot the production with spacey reverbs and dainty beeps that dip cautiously into the fray. As you can guess, Jamila seeps inspiration from a memorable Eartha Kitt interview situated in a garden. On the topic of compromise, Wood’s lyricism mirrors Kitt’s unflinching stance on compromise is vocalised by a carefree songbird. “I don’t want to compromise”, she chants on the hook, and rightfully so. ‘Eartha’ comes in anticipation of her upcoming album ‘LEGACY! LEGACY!’ due for an early summer arrival.
JGrrey – Notice
JGrrey continues on her upward journey following on from the release of her ‘Grrey Daze’ EP, she shares a new music to one the featured tracks ‘Notice’.
Set in a near-empty pub in which JGrrey takes the stage and delivers an entrancing performance on stage with a band. ‘Notice’ places the spotlight on the singer by ironically centring everyone’s attention onto her, however that’s until her drunken counterpart steals it. Nevertheless our ears are fixed on the silky swoons that sit on the honeyed production which fits mellow keys and gilded bass strums together. JGrrey’s ability to craft alluring lyrics and grip your ears alongside rapper-producer Kadiata is outstanding.
[K S R] – Solutions
Manchester comes second to none in the music landscape and this new song from the Northern artist KSR is something for the R&B lovers.
‘Solutions’ comes off his newly released EP entitled ‘Unfiltered’ which houses 6 tracks that intertwine classy rhythms and feathery croons. The mildly minimalist production add a lucid touch to the operation and channels late night jazz drum hits and spiritual bass guitar that’ll trickle a tender vibration across your headphones. On this song KSR searches for an answer in hopes of providing a soulful remedy to declutter a busy mind. He joins a vast array of singers such as Yazmin Lacey, Ego Ella May and Joy Crookes, all of whom are ushering an old sound into a contemporary age.
