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 June. Starring Amie Blu, Humble the Great, Barney Artist, Yiigaa, Josie Man, Stormzy, Fredo, TYSON, Albertina, dialE, Mercy’s Cartel, Gabriels, Dréya Mac & Danny Sanchez…
Amie Blu, Humble the Great
grab my coat
Venice Music
For fans of… Celeste, Daniel Caesar, FKJ
Why listen… This will be your new fave Indie-Pop bop, trust us
‘grab my coat’ is the 3rd single from Amie Blu’s EP and is a collaboration with long time collaborator and artist, Humble the Great. It’s a beautiful, soft and slow track that will have you hooked. Amie says, “grab my coat is all about acknowledging when you feel sad and dissatisfied with life but you want to fight those feelings and avoid talking about your sadness to others, so you end up grabbing your coat and leaving the space you’re in.”
Barney Artist
WARM – demo
THEY DON’T KNOW
For fans of… Loyle Carner, Mr Jukes, Kofi Stone
Why listen… Barney Artist has returned with new music, that was definitely worth the wait.
London-based rapper Barney Artist has just released ‘WARM – demo’ after taking a break and becoming a dad. The new single features vocals from Jordan Rakei and was produced by Freddy Winter and Barney Artist. The production in ‘WARM -demo’ is really unique and Jordan’s vocals work beautifully weaving in and out of Barney’s bars. Barney Artist is becoming one of the UK’s favourite rappers, and after listening to ‘WARM – demo’ you’ll understand why!
Yiigaa, Josie Man
Make It Right
Supernature
For fans of… p-rallel, Biig Piig, Lucy Tun
Why listen… Two talents join forces to create the magical ‘Make It Right’
‘Make It Right’ is Yiigaa’s second single of the year and first collaboration with Josie Man. The track mixes Yiigaa’s signature electronic and soul sounds with alternative pop. The track was co-produced by friends and collaborators KiLLOWEN and J.Ar.J. Speaking about the track on Instagram, Yiigaa says “I made this song and Josie was truly my dream feature. She fitted so perfectly on it with such beautifully dark delicate verse with a glimmer of hope at the end. I’m so proud of this I can’t wait for you to hear the whole thing!”
Stormzy, Fredo
Toxic Trait
0207 Def Jam
For fans of… Dave, AJ Tracey, J Hus
Why listen… ‘Toxic Trait’ sees Stormzy team up with Fredo for the first time to make their mark on the Drill scene
The one and only Stormzy is back with new music, this time teaming up with fellow UK rapper Fredo. If that collaboration wasn’t enough, Dave was on production duties! ‘Toxic Trait’ comes after Stormzy’s third album ‘This Is What I Mean’ and sees Stormzy moving back towards his Grime/Drill sound. Whenever Stormzy releases new music it comes with a film-like music video and this time it’s no different, directed by Femi Ladi. Check it out below!
TYSON, Albertina
Don’t Let Me Go
Ladies Music Pub
For fans of… Cleo Sol, George Riley, Tirzah
Why listen… TYSON links up with Albertina to create a mesmersing masterpiece.
TYSON has shared new single ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ and it’s a euphoric, electronic beauty featuring Albertina. In the track R&B meets club sounds as the single taps into the first rush of passion that comes with truly falling for someone. It’s TYSON’s second release of the year on her own label Ladies Music Pub and we’re hoping to hear more from her very soon. If you want to find out more about TYSON and her incredible music, check out our interview with her here.
dialE
nine thirty (the glow)
dial who
For fans of… Jelani Blackman, Ezra Collective, Silhouette’s Project
Why listen… dialE is an exciting new rapper who you’ll want to know about before your friends do…
dialE is a new and refreshing artist who takes inspiration from drill, afro swing, alternative R&B and jazz. He’s a brilliant storyteller, and creates vivid pictures through his choice of words. Speaking about ‘nine thirty (the glow)’ dial E says on Instagram; “First drop of the year after a long period of overthinking what to put out next but I’ve gotten back to the point of just making music to have fun while saying suttin.”
Mercy’s Cartel
DO IT
Syn Cyr Record
For fans of… Isatta Sheriff, Meron T, BINA.
Why listen… ‘DO IT’ fuses together R&B, Hip-Hop & Gospel to create a lyrically and sonically stunning track
Mercy’s Cartel is a really exciting artist as she blends genres to create her own alternative sound. ‘DO IT’ is no different with its soulful melody and witty lyrics. It’s worth noting that the song was also produced by Mercy and she’s one of two recipients of Abbey Road Studio’s scholarship in Music Production and Audio Engineering. Mercy’s also received a lot of love on radio featuring on BBC Introducing in London as well supporting the likes of Kojey Radical, Etta Bond and Yazmin Lacey. Keep an eye out for Mercy’s Cartel this year and remember that name!
Gabriels
Glory
Parlophone UK
For fans of… Ezra Collective, Young Fathers, Khruangbin
Why listen… If you’re new to Gabriels they will be like nothing you’ve heard before – and ‘Glory’ is the perfect introduction.
This song is simply stunning – it sounds cinematic and showcases the talent of the three-piece unit that is Gabriels. They’re creating incredible modern soul that is drenched in nostalgia yet sounds totally fresh. Speaking about ‘Glory’ Gabriels comment…“‘Glory’ is inspired by the power of human spirit, taking inspiration from some of our favourite artists, our moms, even people of the night. We all have had life corner us, and had to make much out of little. We have all got some magic in our hands, and have the power to make a little a lot.”
Dréya Mac
Better Off
Dréya Mac
For fans of… FelixThe1st, ENNY, IAMDDB
Why listen… Dréya Mac is back with a hard-hitting track bursting with energy.
Dréya Mac has returned with her first release of the year ‘Better Off’. It’s powerful and punchy and was produced by The Elements. The song starts with a bang, grabbing listeners attention from the very start. The track features Mac’s signature bold energy and impactful lyrics. In the track Dréya expresses her love for all kinds of women, celebrating her identity and the women around her. We’re hoping for more music from Mac this year as ‘Better Off’ has made us hungry for more!
Danny Sanchez
Ice Tea
Danny Sanchez
For fans of… The Silhouettes Project, Finn Foxell, MANIK MC
Why listen… This is an instant head bopper from rising star rapper Danny Sanchez.
‘Ice Tea’ is Danny Sanchez’s first release in a while, and it was definitely worth the wait. The laid back production works in perfectly with his smooth bars. He showcases his clever lyricism and effortless flows in ‘Ice Tea’ and teases a new EP coming soon. Danny says on Instagram “This is just the beginning” and we can’t wait to hear more from him this year. The single comes with an accompanying music video which is excellent too…
Words: Maria Hanlon (MH) @mariahanlon Listen to Maria Meets on the 2nd Friday of the month 3-5pm on voicesradio.co.uk.
You can also listen to the UD Selects Mixtape 2023 playlists on the UD YouTube channel…
