Home / Blog / Artists / Music / UD Selects: April Mixtape

UD Selects: April Mixtape

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 April. Starring Jaz Karis, Mahalia, Interplanetary Criminal, Blanco, SAHRA, Reek0, MaxRP, R.A.E, The Mouse Outfit, AyiTe, Metrodome, Barney Artist, Miles Singleton, Eliza Rose, Peaky Beats, Yaz León & kwn

Jaz Karis, Mahalia
NICE GIRLS
Asylum Records

For fans of… Pip Millet, Sinéad Harnett, Jorja Smith
Why listen… MOBO ’24 nominees Jaz Karis and Mahalia team up for a dreamy duet.

Two of the UK’s fave female R&B voices have collaborated to create the honest and vulnerable track ‘NICE GIRLS’. Genre-wise, the song spans pop, R&B and soul whilst the lyrics showcase their songwriting skills. The song is about post-break up feels and moving on from a past love. Speaking about the track, Mahalia says, “I have been a lover of Jaz’s music for so long that I still can’t believe we didn’t have a song together until now. When she sent me ‘Nice Girls’, I knew immediately that it would be the perfect one to duet on.”

Interplanetary Criminal, Blanco
Races
Room Two Records 

For fans of… BAKEY, Y U QT, Bawo
Why listen… Interplanetary Criminal links up with London rapper Blanco to create an energetic banger that you’ll want to play on full volume.

‘Races’ dropped earlier this month via Room Two Recordings and combines elements of UKG and UK drill to create something that sounds so fresh. This one is ready for summer and festivals with its incredible production and catchy bars. Speaking about ‘Races’, Interplanetary Criminal said, “I wanted to pay homage to the early ’00s darker side of 2-step garage and encapsulate the atmosphere of Manchester’s colder history of bass music. Blanco brings his sick word play and flow on top of this 2-step tune bringing it into 2024. This one is for the culture, retaining the underground presence that we both came from.”

SAHRA
Risk it All
Sahra Gure

For fans of… Ego Ella May, Yazmin Lacey, CHERISE
Why listen… You can’t help but get drawn in by SAHRA’s stunning voice in ‘Risk It All’.

SAHRA is already making waves this year with her second release of 2024, ‘Risk It All’. The track showcases her soulful voice and impressive range. The production works perfectly alongside her voice, allowing it to shine whilst creating a warm and romantic feel. Speaking about the track on Instagram SAHRA says, “This song is very close to my heart, written and recorded with some of my closest friends at The Hermitage (the studio we used to live in) I hope you can hear and feel the love within it and I hope it makes you think of someone you love.”

Reek0, MaxRP
In Town
Rinse

For fans of… IZCO, Capo Lee, Brighter Days Family
Why listen… This bop combines an infectious blend of house rhythms and authentic lyrics to create a track perfect for both the club and your headphones.

Tottenham rapper Reek0 has returned with his brand new single ‘In Town’. The track sees Reek0 collaborate with producer MaxRP to create a track with a warm groove and effortless flow. This one is ready to get you moving as it reflects on Reek0’s journey through the bustling music scene. I’m hoping there’s more to come from Reek0 and MaxRP this year as I’m a big fan of ‘In Town’, but in the meantime check out the brilliant music video.

R.A.E
Rainy Days
FIITH

For fans of… ENNY, IAMDDB, Joyce Wrice
Why listen… If 90’s R&B is your vibe you will love ‘Rainy Days’.

In case you’re not familiar with R.A.E, she’s a singer, rapper and songwriter pioneering a new sound rooted in 90’s nostalgia. Her artistry manifests itself in a unique blend of Hip-Hop and R&B, bringing a fresh but nostalgic sound with her easy melodies and uplifting raps. R.A.E’s latest drop ‘Rainy Days’ is her first single of the year and also her most vulnerable song to date. Speaking about the track on her socials R.A.E says, “The words hit differently especially if you’re going through something, I hope I was able to touch a few hearts with this one and continue to do so.”

The Mouse Outfit, AyiTe, Metrodome
Propane
TMO Records

For fans of… KOJ, Summer Sons, Kieron Boothe
Why listen… This explosive new track will be on repeat once you hear it. 

London based rapper AyiTe reunites with Manchester hip-hop collective The Mouse Outfit and producer Metrodome on this vibey new single. ‘Propane’ combines influences of rap, grime and electronic/UK bass music to create a fresh and unique groove. The energetic production is elevated by carefully written lyrics about the British working class experience and ‘dog-eat-dog’ nature of the music game. The track will also have an accompanying music video shot around some of London’s most striking, brutalist architecture coming soon.

Barney Artist, Miles Singleton
soufflé
genau

For fans of… Mr Jukes, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Kofi Stone
Why listen… Barney Artist teams up with Miles Singleton for a brand new release that’s sounding SO good.

Barney Artist has been making changes in both his life and art, by moving to Zürich. Whilst he’ll be missed in London, he’s still captivating the capital’s audience with his incredible music. For ‘soufflé’ Barney Artist has joined forces with Miles Singleton who also features throughout his EP. Speaking on Instagram about his move Barney Artist says, “Thank you for being so encouraging with my move here. I hope you are feeling and resonating with the new music & content.”

Eliza Rose, Peaky Beats
Lovesome
Rosebud Recordings / One House

For fans of… Cody Currie, The Martinez Brothers, MJ Cole
Why listen… Eliza Rose remains one of the UK’s most exciting artists, give ‘Lovesome’ a spin if you don’t believe me.

Eliza Rose has gone back to her Rosebud Recordings roots with her latest EP, including the soulful single ‘Lovesome’. The EP is a reflection of her favourite sounds – jazz, soul and UKG and spans across four tracks, featuring Peaky Beats, MJ Cole and Kylin Tyce. Speaking about ‘Lovesome’ Eliza says, “This one was all about going back to the roots of my label, Rosebud Recordings. With the OG concept being around soul tracks with UKG remixes. So I loved taking this one back to my roots as a writer, producer and singer.”

Yaz León
Mouthwash
Mums

For fans of… Biig Piig, Tame Impala, Cleo Sol
Why listen… If you’re not already a Yaz León fan, you will be after listening to her latest release ‘Mouthwash’.

West-London’s Yaz León is a rising star who blends genres and invites us into her world with her heartfelt lyrics. ‘Mouthwash’ is her new single which is nostalgic and offers a sense of relatability and reflection. Yaz talks about the track in her own words, “I swear Mouthwash was meant to be a pop song. It’s become a bit more of a mental breakdown in audio. Sometimes I’m taking the piss out of my astoundingly bad judgement in relationships and sometimes I’m trying to be a little kinder. There’s clearly a lack of closure there so it’s hard to focus on one emotion. But I like that.”

kwn
lord i’ve tried
Black Butter

For fans of… Sasha Keable, Stormzy, Little Simz
Why listen… This track will be sure to get you in the feels whilst still uplifting you.

The East London singer shares her struggles in the hopeful ‘lord i’ve tried’. In the track we hear kwn’s beautiful voice which sits on top of stunning production made up of a piano section and emotive choir harmonies. The vibe slightly differs from her previous releases as it’s raw and stripped back. Speaking on the track, kwn shares, “I’ve had a difficult past few years mentally and emotionally, and wanted to encapsulate that feeling for others that might need some healing too. Writing it with one of my best friends Sasha Keable made the process a whole lot easier.”

Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon

Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon on the 1st Friday of the month 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.

Read Next

Artists, Events, What's On | 13 February 2025

What’s On… UD x Island Bikes Tea Party, 27th February @ Island Bikes

Join us at Island Bikes for a cosy Tea Party where we’re creating a warm and welcoming space for the community to connect, share, and unwind. This gathering is all about building deeper relationships beyond creative output—offering a chance to engage in meaningful conversations in a relaxed and supportive environment…

Read more

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Music, Talent House | 11 February 2025

UD x The Be Unstoppable Podcast with Ben Wynter

The Be Unstoppable Podcast, recorded at UD’s state-of-the-art studios, is back for 2025 with more insight and inspiration as host Ben Wynter dives into the transformative journeys of inspiring figures from music, media, tech, sports, and finance…

Read more

Featured, Guide | 10 February 2025

UD x Maria Hanlon… Guide To Radio Production

Maria Hanlon is a London-based DJ and Presenter. Maria hosts The Voices Breakfast Show on Voices Radio and worked as a producer there when Voices first launched back in 2021. Maria also helps produce at BBC Introducing in London. This Guide explores the role of a radio producer, different types of production and how to get into work…

Read more

Artists, Events, Music, Talent House | 6 February 2025

UD Low Down: HAUS Sessions x UD Live Night, 30/01 @ Talent House

On Thursday 30th January, UD welcomed HAUS Sessions to the Talent House for an unforgettable evening of live music showcasing and community connection, with performances from ManLikeKofi, Silvana, EEZEE & AD, alongside true standout musicianship. Check the gallery…

Read more