Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Maria Hanlon presents 10 tunes that hit her decks – and got a reload – in March.
Starring Max Sinàl, KingCrowney & Liv East, PRVNA, VC Pines, Jelani Blackman, Amie Blu, Lewis Daniel, Ben DSP, Baobei, Brighter Days Family, Big Zuu & Capo Lee…
Max Sinàl, KingCrowney, Liv East
Intentions
Soul Quest Records
For fans of… Cleo Sol, Jimpster, Kaytranda
Why listen… This smooth soulful house track is an absolute sonic delight.
Soul Quest legends Max Sinàl and KingCrowney have teamed up with fellow East Londoner and rising star Liv East for the label’s latest and 10th release. ‘Intentions’ is a soulful deep house groove combined with live musical elements, including KingCrowney on the trumpet. The track dropped on March 14th and is part of a 6-track vinyl which follows next month, I can’t wait to check it out.
PRVNA
Only Light
Soundplate Records
For fans of… Keinemusik, Black Coffee, Katy B
Why listen… This is the afro house track you need as the sun comes out.
‘Only Light’ is the third and final single from PRVNA’s second EP. The track completes the trio of deep, percussive and rhythmic afro house/afro tech tracks PRVNA has shared this year. The song is a hard groover made for the dance floor, with beautiful lyrics about overcoming depression. PRVNA says on social media, “this song is a reminder the dark days are not permanent, we are always one step closer to unveiling the magic within us… let’s go deeper.”
VC Pines
need 2 breathe
Club Carousel
For fans of… King Krule, Steve Lacy, Glass Animals,
Why listen… The flawless new track from VC Pines reminds us why he’s one to watch.
‘need 2 breathe’ is VC Pines’ second release of 2025 after the incredible ‘BREAK’ which dropped in February. Both releases sound really fresh and exciting whilst still featuring VC Pines’ distinctive vocals. Speaking about the track, VC Pines says, “need 2 breathe was written last year whilst going through a tumultuous time mentally, strong relationships I had had kind of fallen apart. It’s about second guessing, paranoia but an overall willingness to forget and pretend that everything’s normal, even if this is unhealthy. The modern world is confusing, as are its relationship.”
Jelani Blackman
Toxic Freestyle
Jelani Blackman
For fans of… Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, KAM-BU, Kojey Radical
Why listen… Jelani Blackman is back with a fresh flow that you need to know.
Everything Jelani Blackman drops is top notch, so it’s no surprise that ‘Toxic Freestyle’ is a banger. The track follows ‘Stampede’ with Pola & Bryson that came out earlier this year and hopefully more music is on the way. The track was made in Japan, Jelani shares “All the things you hear about Japan are true, don’t wanna leave. Luckily I have my laptop so made ‘Toxic Freestyle’ out here. The first self produced, independently released track in my career.”
Amie Blu
swimming in pity
0207 Def Jam
For fans of… Celeste, Biig Piig, Humble the Great
Why listen… Amie Blu continues to make waves with ‘swimming in pity’.
Flames Collective alumni Amie Blu goes from strength to strength with her gorgeous, glimmering new track ‘swimming in pity’. Her unique voice sounds stunning with the delicate production on this one. Speaking about the track, Amie says, “I sometimes find a lot of comfort in my own sadness, and find it easier to wallow in my depression. As hard as it is to pull yourself out from that kind of place, it can also be really easy to just sit with it. ‘swimming in pity’ is me acknowledging this feeling of my own self-sabotage when it comes to my mental health.”
Lewis Daniel
Tech Glitch
Lewis Daniel
For fans of… Ezra Collective, Steam Down, Oscar Jerome
Why listen… Lewis Daniel continues to experiment and create forward thinking Jazz that you need to hear.
‘Tech Glitch’ is the third single from Lewis Daniel‘s jazz concept album, ‘Defective Disk’ due on May 9th. The track is experimental and glitchy as the title suggests, making it really interesting and original. Lewis Daniel also features on lead vocals, whilst taking influence from Jamiroquai and Stevie Wonder for this track. Lewis Daniel says, “Tech Glitch” is about feeling broken—like something is inherently wrong but you don’t know what. It captures the turmoil of anxiety and depression, using the metaphor of computer errors and glitches to reflect the chaos of intrusive thoughts and emotional paralysis.”
Ben DSP
BTF
On Your DSP’s
For fans of… Mac Miller, The Mouse Outfit, MANIK MC
Why listen… Ben DSP is back with a head bopper you need on your playlist.
Rising star rapper Ben DSP has shared his first release of the year, ‘BTF’ which showcases his slick bars. Ben says, “BTF is a love song I wrote on the Victoria line travelling from Brixton to Finsbury, hence the name of the song and the chorus. It’s about the uncertainty and excitement/nerves of getting into a relationship. I really love it and I hope you guys do too. First drop of a very busy year from me!”
Baobei
Cheap Talk
Hotpot Records
For fans of… Overmono, Pretty Girl, SG Lewis
Why listen… Baobei continues to make club-ready bangers that will make you plan your next night out ASAP.
After an amazing 2024, Baobei isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s released the first two singles from her upcoming EP where ethereal dreamscape meets club grit. Baobei worked with producer badbadbad on ‘Cheap Talk’, where the pair built a new sonic world together. With plenty of previous radio support from Radio 1 and BBC Introducing and a fast growing following, I can’t wait to check out the rest of the EP later this year.
Brighter Days Family
Bun It Down
Brighter Days
For fans of… Reek0, Last Nubian, Hagan
Why listen… This is the summer sound we all need right now.
‘Bun It Down’ is taken from Brighter Days‘ debut album, ‘Audio Sunrise’ which is a sun-drenched body of work that’s landed in time for summer. The album features 10 tracks, 20 musicians and marks five years of Brighter Days. ‘Bun It Down’ is the last track on the album and transports you to sunny days and good times. The collective recently sold out OMEARA in London and looks like this year will be a huge one for them.
Big Zuu, Capo Lee
Dave & Cench
Legacy Living LTD
For fans of… LZee, Sir Spyro, D Double E
Why listen… London legends Big Zuu and Capo Lee have come together to create their brilliant new album which you need to check out.
Two of London’s finest Capo Lee and Big Zuu join forces on new album ‘Signed & Delivered’. The pair go way back and have been killing it individually so it made sense to collaborate and create something special. The album dropped March 25th consisting of 11 tracks and features Miraa May, p-rallel and INFAMOUSIZAK to name a few. I was lucky enough to catch them perform the new album live at their sold out Jazz Cafe show recently, and they did not disappoint. ‘Dave & Cench‘ is a definite highlight.
Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon every Friday 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.
