Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Maria Hanlon presents 10 tunes that have hit her decks – and got a reload – in July. Starring PRVNA, Tasty Lopez, Zoka The Author, Nectar Woode, Casnova, Essence Martins, Sakawah Boys, Neumonic, Ella More, edbl, Jelani Blackman, IYAMAH, Jaz Karis & Mysie…
PRVNA, Tasty Lopez
Sprung
PRVNA
For fans of… Black Coffee, Karen Nyame KG, Erykah Badu
Why listen… This is guaranteed to be your new favourite afro-house song.
Hailing from South London, PRVNA has been making serious moves with her afro-inspired tracks. ‘Sprung’ is her second release of the year following on from the vibey ‘La Di De Da’ which you also need to check out. Her latest drop is a collaboration with Tasty Lopez and fuses together 2000’s R&B with afro house and pop influences. The pair work perfectly together creating this warm, summer groover. You won’t be able to stop playing ‘Sprung’, trust me!
Zoka The Author
Skippy
Evil Genius Records
For fans of… Kendrick Lamar, Little Simz, Kojey Radical
Why listen… Zoka The Author needs to be on your radar, ‘Skippy’ showcases why.
‘Skippy’ is Zoka The Author’s third single of the year and it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down any time soon. His tracks show off his lyrical precision and fast flows, and ‘Skippy’ is no different. He said on Instagram, “This song is for those who see something that no one else can see yet, who despite the resistance of the world around them, proceed to bring that vision into reality with drive and conviction. At a time like this, when reality can feel so dissatisfying, we need dreamers like you more than ever.”
Nectar Woode
30 Degrees
Communion Records
For fans of… Hiatus Kaiyote, Yazmin Lacey, Joni Mitchell
Why listen… As the UK finally heats up, there couldn’t be a more perfect track for summer.
Nectar Woode needs to be on your radar. She’s a singer/songwriter based in East London who incorporates jazz influenced chords on guitar with her warm and velvety vocals. Speaking about the stunning ‘30 Degrees’, Nectar says, “The sun is beaming and it’s finally summer! For me 30 degrees encapsulates the perfect summer’s day: you’re falling in love with your surroundings, chilling with your loved ones, laughing, dancing, and falling in love with the sun!” The music video is a total vibe too.
Casnova
I Got Everything
Arta Sounds
For fans of… IZCO, Brighter Days Family, p-rallel
Why listen… Casnova’s latest EP ‘Lotus’ is the summer soundtrack you were missing.
Born and Raised in London, Casnova takes inspiration from the dance and rave scene which you can hear in his brand new EP ‘Lotus’. The EP spans six tracks and many different genres whilst bringing together his Iranian musical heritage and UK dance inspirations. ‘I Got Everything’ is the fifth track on the project and makes you want to move. Speaking about ‘Lotus’ Casnova says, “I couldn’t be more proud of this EP and I hope it connects in some way with you all.”
Essence Martins
Quiet & Perfect
FAE Grp
For fans of… Arlo Parks, Matilda Mann, Olivia Dean
Why listen… This gorgeous track from Essence Martins is about yearning for the perfect kind of love.
Born and raised in North West London, Essence Martins’ soundscape floats between indie-folk, pop and soul whilst showcasing her ethereal voice. Her songwriting is conversational, relatable and draws you right in. Her most recent release ‘Quiet & Perfect’ came out earlier this month and is about getting all you want from someone and a relationship, rather than what’s portrayed in movies and on TV. After an exciting first half of the year I’m excited to see what’s next for the rising star. Check out the beautiful music video too.
Sakawah Boys, Neumonic
Nawty
Morii Records
For fans of… Kurupt FM, The Manor, So Solid Crew
Why listen… Your four fave MC’s are back with another energetic UKG banger!
UKG crew Sakawah Boys have just dropped ‘Nawty’ which sees them collaborate with US producer Neumonic. The producer’s wonky UKG production is perfectly paired with Sakawah Boys’ witty wordplay to create a dance floor weapon. Neumonic says on Instagram “I’ve been a big fan of these lads for a while and very excited to finally share this collab. The London UKG crew had flawless flows from start to finish, and I couldn’t be happier with how this one turned out.”
Ella More
Hate You For Good
Ella More
For fans of… Solange, Cleo Sol, Mahalia
Why listen… Ella More returns with a feel good anthem about the highs and lows of a complicated summer romance.
‘Hate You for Good’ is Ella More’s second single of the year, following on from the beautiful ‘Balance’ which came out in May. For ‘Hate You For Good’ Ella teamed up with co-writer and producer Logan Aspin. The track is perhaps Ella’s most up-beat production wise whilst the lyrics explore the struggle to let go of someone you love, despite the pain. This is the kind of song you need to play on full volume to shake off any negative vibes. I’m already excited to see what Ella works on next!
edbl, Jelani Blackman, IYAMAH
The Scene
edbl recordings
For fans of… Tom Misch, Loyle Carner, Ezra Collective
Why listen… You need to check out edbl’s whole album, but ‘The Scene’ is an essential listen.
Singer-songwriter, producer & guitarist, edbl has just shared his incredibly exciting album ‘2010 Mixtape’, named after the year it all started for him. The 13-track mixtape sees features from some of the UK’s finest including Quinn Oulton, JayaHadADream, Kofi Stone and KeepVibesNear to name a few. ‘The Scene’ is the fourth single and features the amazing talents of Jelani Blackman and IYAMAH. The unique vocals from both artists together with edbl’s signature guitar solos, sax and beats make this brilliant track a stand out.
Jaz Karis
Sunset Blvd
MNRK
For fans of… Pip Millet, Jamilah Barry, Raye
Why listen… This warm, chilled out tune from Jaz Karis is the perfect summer playlist addition.
MOBO ’24 Nominee Jaz Karis has just shared her new single ‘SUNSET BLVD’. The track is super smooth and sunny whilst describing Jaz’s experience of being in love in LA. She wrote the song to embody the feeling of “driving down Sunset Boulevard with the love of your life.” ‘SUNSET BLVD’ is the fourth track on Jaz’s debut full-length album, ‘SAFE FLIGHT’, scheduled to drop on Sept 20th via MNRK Music Group.
Mysie
LITTLE TOO LATE
ONErpm
For fans of… Thundercat, Myd, Rosalia
Why listen… Mysie’s first drop of the year, ‘LITTLE TOO LATE’ was most definitely worth the wait!
South London’s Mysie returns with new single ‘LITTLE TOO LATE’ and the news of her debut mixtape ‘CONTROLLA’ which will be released on September 27 via ONErpm. Her new single continues to push boundaries and span genres making Mysie one to watch. Speaking about the new bop, Mysie says: “This song is about moving on and refusing to let people back in who only return when you’re on a high frequency. It’s about letting go of those toxic cycles and standing strong against their attempts to re-enter your world!”
Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon on the 1st & 3rd Friday of the month 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.
