Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Maria Hanlon presents 10 tunes that hit her decks – and got a reload – in April.
Starring BaggE, Brian Nasty, Jaz Karis, Mychelle, Somewhere Soul, Allysha Joy, Finn Rees, Asha Gold, Lizzie Berchie, DARGZ, Blue Lab Beats, birty, Summer Sons & Nyah Grace…
BaggE
What I Need
BaggE
For fans of… Cleo Sol, Erykah Badu, Jaz Karis
Why listen… BaggE is back with a mesmerizing new single you won’t want to miss.
North London’s BaggE returns with ‘What I Need’. The beautiful track is about effortless love where connection, trust and peace come naturally. Sonically, the track is smooth with melodies that pull you in from the start. Speaking about her latest release BaggE says, “I wanted the song to feel as warm and restorative as the love I’m singing about. It’s not just a track; it’s a vibe, one that feels like trust, peace, and being truly understood.”
Brian Nasty
Two
Big Dada
For fans of… Goya Gumbani, Jeshi, Lord Apex
Why listen… One to watch Brian Nasty shows us how it’s done with ‘Two’.
London-based rapper and producer Brian Nasty is back on the scene with a brand new single ‘Two’. The track explores the theme of imposter syndrome and the impossible goal of perfection. Brian Nasty says, “People always have comments and will tell you how to get things done. But you know what? I’m trying. And that’s all that matters to me.” ‘Two’ was produced in collaboration with London composer and multi-instrumentalist Melo-Zed, who previously worked with the likes of noname, Childish Gambino, National Geographic and more. The release also hints at more music on the way and marks the end of an important chapter for Brian Nasty.
Jaz Karis
Too Soon
MNRK Music Group
For fans of… Mahalia, Pip Millet, Sasha Keable
Why listen… Jaz Karis’s gorgeous new single is guaranteed to get you in the feels.
‘Too Soon’ is Jaz Karis’s first single since her debut album came out last September. The song draws you in from the first few seconds, with Jaz’s stunning vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The track is about finding the right person at the wrong time, a feeling many people can relate to. Jaz teamed up once again with producer Etienne who was the executive producer on her debut album. Jaz says, “We wanted not to overproduce the song so it didn’t take away from the emotions that ran through each line – so an acoustic guitar and strings were the perfect accompaniment to my feelings.”
Mychelle
Good Day
FAMM
For fans of… Solange, Lynda Dawn, Adi Oasis
Why listen… If you don’t know about Mychelle yet, 2025 is your year to get to know!
Singer-songwriter Mychelle has shared the shimmering and soulful, ‘Good Day’. It’s the title track of her new album which dropped on April 30th and comes with the announcement of a UK tour. Mychelle will be performing at The Jazz Cafe on Tuesday 11th November and will also be supporting Jorja Smith on her sold out UK tour. Make sure to check out the music video for ‘Good Day’ too.
Somewhere Soul, Allysha Joy, Finn Rees
Murmuring
RE:WARM
For fans of… SAULT, Yazmin Lacey, Blue Lab Beats
Why listen… This captivating track belongs on your playlist.
‘Murmuring’ is the first release from a new compilation series called ‘Rituals’ from the curator and DJ, Josh Mason-Quinn, aka Somewhere Soul. The album is a celebration of new and emerging talent from the underground jazz, soul, world and house music spheres. ‘Murmuring’ is our first taste of the album and sets the tone perfectly with the brilliant vocals of Allysha Joy and the super talented producer Finn Rees. The record is due for release on 25th July 2025 via RE:WARM and I cannot wait to hear it!
Asha Gold
Don’t Really Miss You At All
Asha Gold
For fans of… H.E.R, Shae Universe, Hope Tala
Why listen… Asha Gold continues to shine with new single ‘Don’t Really Miss You At All’.
Known for blending pop melodies with contemporary R&B production, Asha Gold keeps going from strength to strength. Her brand new single ‘Don’t Really Miss You At All’ launches at the same time as her new EP, revealing Asha’s authentic portrayal of growing up as a dual-heritage woman in London, navigating identity and relationships on her own terms. The track embraces the relief of moving on from a relationship. It’s playful, confident, and sonically intricate, reflecting a newfound clarity.
Lizzie Berchie
Company
Tru Community
For fans of… Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Roberta Flack
Why listen… Lizzie Berchie has dropped another beauty with ‘Company’.
East London’s Lizzie Berchie creates her own unique soulful sound with her distinctive voice and honest lyrics. ‘Company’ is Berchie’s latest single and is her third release of the year, hinting at an EP dropping soon. She’s sold out St Pancras Old Church in London and it doesn’t look like she’ll be slowing things down any time soon. ‘Company’ has an incredible accompanying music video that you need to check out.
DARGZ, Blue Lab Beats, birty
Smiley
Studio DARGZ
For fans of… Jitwam, Kokoroko, NEIL FRANCES
Why listen… ‘Smiley’ is a feel-good track guaranteed to lift your mood.
‘Smiley’ is taken from DARGZ new album ‘Friends & Family’ out May 9th via his own label Studio Dargz. The record is bold, genre-defying and warm, blending together contemporary jazz, hip-hop, funk, pop, and R&B, delivering a fresh sound. Speaking about the album DARGZ says, “Friends & Family is an album that is about the spark created by collaboration. Not just with some of my favorite players in the London Jazz scene who feature on the tracks, but the friends and family who are vital to DARGZ. The album is a celebration of family and those friends who become family.”
Summer Sons
Home Truths
Lightworks
For fans of… The Silhouettes Project, Brighter Days Family, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn
Why listen… Summer Sons deliver a fresh flow you need to hear on ‘Home Truths’.
Brothers Turt and Slim aka Summer Sons recently dropped their latest release ‘Home Truths’. Marking their first drop of the year, the track stands out with sharp lyricism, a rich sonic backdrop, and an effortlessly slick flow. Slim is the mastermind behind the beats whilst Turt takes the vocals, making up an almighty rap duo. I’m already looking forward to more music from the talented pair. In the meantime catch my interview with Summer Sons on Voices Radio HERE.
Nyah Grace
Only Mine
Palawan Productions
For fans of… Alicia Keys, shiv, Sade
Why listen… Soothe your ears with the soulful sounds of ‘Only Mine’.
Nyah Grace first emerged in 2019 with a sound that blends confessional R&B with a smoky, modern soul edge. Originally from rural Oregon and now based in Manchester, Nyah continues to create music that is both deeply personal and effortlessly timeless. Nyah’s latest release ‘Only Mine’ features slinky pianos and a looping bassline alongside her honeyed voice. The track conveys the complexities of human experience and is Nyah’s first drop of the year. I’m hoping there’s more music on the way as Nyah’s got a new fan over here.
Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon every Friday 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.
