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 Enny, Kieron Boothe, Hope Tala, Stormzy, Olivia Dean, Loyle Carner, Murkage Dave, Isha, Meron T, Jaydonclover, Kofi Stone, Eva Gadd & Blue Lab Beats…
ENNY
Champagne Problems
FAMM
For fans of… IAMDDB, JGrrey, NAYANA IZ
Why listen… London wordsmith ENNY is back with a banger.
After a huge year touring across the globe, ENNY returns with her first 2022 release ‘Champagne Problems’. Her new track was produced by Beat Butcha & Tala (with additional production from Will Yanez). ENNY uses her witty wordplay to create this autumnal anthem. Speaking on the track, ENNY says “The problems I’ve had this year aren’t last year’s problems, but they’re problems nevertheless. I call them ‘Champagne Problems’, because they are definitely the problems I would’ve rather had two years ago. With this track, it’s nice to just get back to freestyling and rapping as an art.“
Kieron Boothe
Original Soundman
Melting Pot Music
For fans of… KeepVibesNear, The Silhouettes Project, Nikhil Beats
Why listen… Kieron Boothe is quickly becoming one of the most exciting artists in the London music scene and ‘Original Soundman’ is proof of why.
East London’s Kieron Boothe is a rising star making his mark on the UK Rap scene. He’s just released his EP ‘Views From The Bottom’, which is his second solo project with Melting Pot Music. The EP showcases his diverse range as he moves through the tracks bridging the gaps between Alternative Rap, Lofi, Jazz and Trap. The artwork on the cover was made by Kieron himself with production by Srigala, Nikhil Beats, and Harvey Whyte among others.
Hope Tala
Stayed at the Party
Republic Records
For fans of… Asha Gold, Arlo Parks, Raveena
Why listen… Written from her bedroom in lockdown, this cinematic single is dream-like and enticing.
Continuing her string of critically acclaimed releases this year, singer/songwriter Hope Tala shares ‘Stayed at the Party’. Hope collaborated with legendary producer Greg Kurstin once again for this track. It features velvety vocals and warm strings making it an entrancing track for cosy vibes this Autumn. Hope shared on Instagram that the song surrounds the themes of friendship and mortality. Alongside releasing music, Hope has just performed at the Hollywood Bowl & opened for fellow Londoner Florence Welch. Keep your eyes peeled as she continues to go from strength to strength.
Stormzy
Hide & Seek
UMG (on behalf of 0207 Def Jam)
For fans of… Dave, Skepta, J Hus
Why listen… Stormzy’s back on the scene with a soulful, slow jam that’ll get you in the feels.
Stormzy has shared his new song ‘Hide & Seek’, the first official single from the UK rapper’s forthcoming album, ‘This Is What I Mean’. The track was produced by PRGRSHN, Owen Cutts, and P2J and features vocals from Äyanna, Teni The Entertainer, and Oxlade, with Stormzy’s third album ‘This Is What I Mean’, due to be released on November 25th via 0207 Def Jam/Interscope Records. The new album was written and recorded during the pandemic on Osea Island, just off the coast of Essex with Stormzy inviting a group of producers, musicians, and collaborators to the island (who are yet to be revealed) to work on the follow-up to his 2019 platinum selling album ‘Heavy Is The Head’. We can’t wait to hear it.
Olivia Dean
Danger
EMI Records
For fans of… Pip Millet, Joy Crookes, Mahalia
Why listen… Soulful singer Olivia Dean delivers beautiful, catchy new bop ‘Danger’.
Olivia Dean keeps us on our toes once again, this time embracing elements of Lover’s Rock and Bossa nova – two very different styles – but somehow makes it work perfectly. The song centres around falling in love and accepting something good into your life. Olivia summarises the song ‘”Danger’ is a song for when you realise the risk you’re taking by falling in love with someone who is really good for you. It’s playful, tongue in cheek and an oxymoron. My main aim with this song was to allow myself to have fun and let go.”
Loyle Carner
Nobody Knows (Ladas Road)
EMI Records
For fans of… Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Barney Artist, Tom Misch
Why listen… Loyle Carner returns with one of the most anticipated records of the year and his track, ‘Nobody Knows’, is a stand out song on the album.
Loyle Carner one of the UK’s brightest hip-hop stars is back with his third album ‘hugo’, which has already been described by many as a masterpiece. The album spans across 10 thought-provoking tracks confronting deeply personal and political issues. LC reaches new depths in his songwriting making it his most ambitious album yet. ‘Nobody Knows (Ladas Road)’ reflects on the harsh reality of his father’s lack of involvement in his life and says from the heart, “You can’t hate the roots of the tree, And not hate the tree, So how can I hate my father, Without hating me?”
Murkage Dave
Choose Your Own Adventure
New Order New Edition (None)
For fans of… Jelani Blackman, Hak Baker, Mike Skinner
Why listen… The powerful pulsating backing beat combined with Murkage Dave’s signature sound makes this an instant playlist addition.
Murkage Dave has just released ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ off the back of his sophomore album ‘The City Needs A Hero’. The track was produced by Star Slinger and depicts inner-city sadness and escape in his lyrics, continuing the conversation from previous track ‘The City Needs A Hero’. Dave is currently on his ‘The City Needs A Hero’ UK tour which concluded in London at Islington Assembly Hall on Saturday 29th October. If you want to find out more about Dave or what he’s like live, check out our review here.
ISHA, Meron T
By Surprise
Juicebox Recordings
Similar to… BINA., RADA, Faye Meana
Why listen… Amsterdam-based ISHA teams up with London-based Meron T to create a sunshiney, soothing track that you won’t be able to stop playing.
The two talents collaborate to create a sunny song that will be your new pick-me-up track. ‘ISHA‘ is a funky, jazz electronica producer from Amsterdam who by the sounds of ‘By Surprise’ is one to watch. Meanwhile, Meron T has been making waves here in London, collaborating with The Silhouettes Project and releasing her own material too. Meron T describes herself as ‘soothing your soul with the sweetest sounds’.. We were lucky enough to see Meron T perform live earlier in the year, catch the review and find out more here.
Jaydonclover, Kofi Stone
inthemourning
[NOSPACES]
For fans of… Barney Artist & Mr Jukes, Loyle Carner, Rebel Kleff
Why listen… Jaydonclovers stunning vocals with Kofi Stone’s signature sounds make this pairing a match made in heaven.
Birmingham’s Jaydonclover shows off her angelic vocals alongside the sounds of one of the best poets and rappers in the UK right now, Kofi Stone, on ‘inthemourning’. Jaydonclover reveals her hopeless romantic side in this slow, sad song that expresses different aspects of love in a poetic and hypnotic way. Perhaps inspired by Romeo and Juliet, the track paints a vivid picture of two lovers who are parted by death. Kofi Stone’s voice is instantly recognisable, contrasting beautifully with Jaydonclover’s silky vocals.
Eva Gadd, Blue Lab Beats
Breathing
Blue Adventure Records / Ferocious Label Services
For fans of… Nubiyan Twist, Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective
Why listen… Grammy Award winning producers Blue Lab Beats team up with emerging talent Eva Gadd to create a vibey new tune.
Blue Lab Beats are on fire right now, after releasing this brand new bop with Eva Gadd and winning the Innovation Award at the Jazz FM awards. It’s safe to say this year has been a good one for the Jazztronica duo. It also looks as if Eva’s Gadd’s got an exciting future ahead after the talent she showcases in ‘Breathing’. Her vocals glide effortlessly over Blue Lab Beats jazzy beats. The track is one to get you in a good mood!
Words by Maria Hanlon (MH)
Listen to @mariahanlon Maria Meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 3-5pm on voicesradio.co.uk