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 October. Starring Lucy Tun, MANIK MC, Emil, Skepta, Amy Winehouse, Jelani Blackman, IZCO, Reek0, Arinola, JGrrey, George Riley, The Silhouettes Project, Meron T, Kieron Boothe, Nikhil Beats & Debbie…
Lucy Tun
Airport Smoking Room
PLATOON LTD
For fans of… Björk, Eliza Legzdina, Bktherula
Why listen… This song will transport you to an airport with Lucy’s vivid storytelling and stunning vocals.
Lucy Tun is a rising star who needs to be on your radar. With her debut EP ‘Unreal’ landing on November 10th, she’s ready to share something new. Her brand new single ‘Airport Smoking Room’ is about being “on your way to nowhere” and was inspired by the film The Terminal which came out in 2004. The song portrays the unspoken connection between strangers and is accompanied by some stylish visual.
MANIK MC, emil
Lagoon
MANIK MC x OPULOUS
For fans of… The Silhouettes Project, Nix Northwest, Danny Sanchez
Why listen… MANIK MC’s bars never disappoint and always leave you wanting more, waiting for his next release.
MANIK MC has been dropping singles throughout the year in the lead up to his ‘Distorted Format’ EP which will be released on November 10th. ‘Lagoon’ is his latest release and sees him team up with musician and producer emil to create a jazzy and reflective bop. MANIK MC continues to prove why he is one of the best rappers on the scene right now with his distinctive bars and meaningful lyrics. On Instagram MANIK MC says “This is one of the realest tracks I’ve wrote, just tryna keep our heads above the water...”
Skepta, Amy Winehouse
Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute To Amy)
Más Tiempo/ Island Records
For fans of… Amy Winehouse, Eliza Rose, Jammer
Why listen… Skepta pays tribute to the legend Amy Winehouse on this house banger.
After teasing its release in festival sets all summer, Skepta has shared the atmospheric ‘Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute To Amy)’, which samples Amy Winehouse’s 2006 single ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’. The single was released on Skepta’s house label, Más Tiempo, which he co-founded with fellow BBK member Jammer. The pair recently pulled up in Camden (which was where Amy lived for most of her life) to share the new tune which went down an absolute treat, blasting the track from their car as the crowds gathered round.
Jelani Blackman
Feel The Same
18 Records/ MNRK UK
For fans of… Kojey Radical, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Lex Amor
Why listen… This song is a reflection of the times we’re in, and you need to hear it!
Jelani Blackman has released a new single, ‘Feel The Same’. The track is taken from his debut album ‘The Heart of It’ which is set for release on 10th November via 18 Records/ MNRK UK. The album has already been teased with single ‘When You Feel It’. Speaking about his latest single Jelani says, “It’s a reflection of the times we’re in. It’s like a lost relationship, when you know the best part is over, and you’re hanging onto what’s left, trying to find the love and purpose of things. It’s always the same cycle, except the changing of this relationship is also about reconciling with loss of the innocence we had before covid, Brexit and the reality of getting older in ideological and economic chaos.”
Arinola
Thought U Might
IMW Productions
For fans of… Jorja Smith, Emeli Sande, Mariah Carey
Why listen…This track will make you want to go out out as soon as you hear it!
Arinola is a 20 year singer/songwriter, producer and pianist from north west London who is making serious waves on the scene. Earlier in the year she released ‘Love Story’, followed by her second single and latest release ‘Thought U Might’. The new single features a house beat with elements of amapiano, along with Arinola’s soulful vocals to create your new fave bop. Vocally, Arinola takes inspiration from Missy Elliot, Emeli Sande and Mariah Carey. UD’s Kat Friar recently caught up with Arinola – who recently completed the Incubator Programme – read the full article here.
IZCO, Reek0
Hot Wun
Brighter Days Family
For fans of… p-rallel, Capo Lee, Hilts
Why listen… This track will have you fixed in the first few seconds.
IZCO is one of the most exciting DJs and producers in London and he’s just dropped ‘Wun 2 Tape’, a collaboration with rapper Reek0. ‘Hot Wun’ is the third track on the EP and is very vibey! Speaking about the EP, IZCO says on Instagram, “It’s been a special year, blessed for all the opportunities to travel + spread the sound. Sending love to everyone who helps us live it. These tracks are for us. Identity. We make the music that we want to exist and we hope u like it too.”
JGrrey
Sick of Me
PACE
For fans of… Greentea Peng, Lava La Rue, Poppy Ajudha
Why listen... This jazzy freestyle will be your new autumnal go-to.
JGrrey has released her first project in four years, ‘If Not Now?’. It’s an 8-track mixtape that sees JGrrey at her most ambitious, free of limitations. The project features previous releases including ‘Boys’, ‘Theirs13’, ‘Drream’ and ‘May’. Speaking about the Mixtape, JGrrey says “I would like to think that my music does what it says on the tin, when I call a project if not now… then that’s why I’ve released it, because I had to, because why not, because I can.” Check out the incredible self-directed visuals too.
The Silhouettes Project, Meron T, Kieron Boothe, Nikhil Beats
Play It Back Again
ROOT 73
For fans of… Children of Zeus, Elisa Imperilee, BINA.
Why listen… This jazz infused tune sees some of London’s finest talent team up – not one to miss!
The Silhouettes Project is an exciting platform for up and coming Hip-Hop, Soul and Jazz artists from the UK. They bring the best talent together to create stunning music and their latest release ‘Play It Back Again’ is no different. This track sees Meron T and Kieron Boothe come together again on the vocals whilst the one and only Nikhil Beats adds his incredible production talent to the mix.
George Riley
Satisfy You
Ninja Tune
For fans of… Anz, TYSON, Erika de Casier.
Why listen… George Riley is back on the scene with the stunning ‘Satisfy You’.
George Riley has released a new single, ‘Satisfy You’, which is taken from her forthcoming EP, ‘Un/limited Love’, which will be released 10th November. The new track finds George Riley switching back to the R&B sound that first grabbed everyone’s attention. The song surrounds the theme of self-love and was produced by Detroit musician John FM. Riley continues to go from strength to strength and is about to begin her European tour in November.
Debbie
I’m Different
Universal Music
For fans of… Mahalia, Olivia Dean, Jaz Karis
Why listen… Debbie shares her refreshing new single that’ll get you in the feels.
South-London’s R&B star Debbie has just released her raw and relatable single ‘I’m Different’. If you’re not familiar with Debbie she featured on Stormzy’s latest album and has performed at Glastonbury on the BBC Introducing stage to name a couple of her recent achievements. Debbie is definitely one to watch as she continues to write honest and heartfelt songs. The soulful songstress says on Instagram “Releasing this song is me overcoming some of my own biggest insecurities, but in the past week, seeing your posts and comments, has helped me to embrace them even more, if this song in any way makes you feel as special, worthy and beautiful as you are, that makes me feel so warm”.
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
