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 August. Starring VC Pines, Bakar, Summer-Pearl, Liam Bailey, MANIK MC, Eliza Imperilee, Denyah, AJRadico, Junior Simba, Pixie Cola, Rio Rainz, Finn Foxell, Casnova, KAM-BU, Bawo, Lucy Tun & Star.One…
UD SELECTS: AUGUST MIXTAPE
VC Pines
SUPERMAN
Club Carousel
For fans of… King Krule, Steve Lacy, Glass Animals
Why listen… VC Pines returns with the reflective alternative soul banger ‘SUPERMAN’
‘SUPERMAN’ is taken from his anticipated forthcoming debut album, MRI. The track is about biting off more than you can chew. Speaking about the track, VC Pines says “…there are people in your life who mean more to you than life itself, but you let things get in the way, and you lose sight of what’s important, until it’s too late… It’s also very easy to promise more to those you love, than you can deliver. So you live in this constant state of feeling like you’ve let everyone down, which is a dark dark place.” We spoke to VC Pines at the start of the year, find out more about him here.
Bakar
Right Here, For Now
Black Butter Limited
For fans of… Finn Foxell, Hak Baker, Foals
Why listen… Bakar’s back with a fresh tune that will be stuck in your head for days
‘Right Here, For Now’ is an indie rock bop that will be your new fave song. Bakar remains true to his signature vocal style & the production is recognisably him too, whilst still sounding new and exciting. The track explores themes of young love and self-redemption with Bakar’s vocals sounding smooth as ever. Bakar is set to release his second album ‘Halo’ at the end of September, the perfect way to cure those post summer blues!
Summer-Pearl, Liam Bailey
waste your time (bag uh reasons)
Kitto Records
For fans of… Erykah Badu, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley
Why listen… Summer-Pearl and Liam Bailey have teamed up to create a stunning soulful summer anthem
Following Summer-Pearl’s single ‘green eyes’ – backed by Giles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, Jamie Cullum and many more – Summer-Pearl invites the one and only Liam Bailey to collaborate. The pair are a match made in musical heaven as they bring their shared influences and styles to new track ‘waste your time (bag uh reasons)’. Summer’s music is a conscious celebration of black and female liberation, blending a deep appreciation for soul, dub, reggae, hip-hop and jazz to create her own distinct sound. Liam Bailey’s style has been compared to the likes of Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Bob Marley and Dennis Brown. Together, they are the dream team!
MANIK MC, Eliza Imperilee
Rise & Shine
MANIK MC x OPULOUS
For fans of… The Silhouettes Project, Asher Kosher, Kofi Stone
Why listen… This tune is the perfect way to start your day
After a break one of London’s best spitters, MANIK MC is back with a big one, teaming up with fellow The Silhouettes Project member Eliza Imperilee. The duo work perfectly together with MANIK MC’s slick bars weaving in and out of Eliza’s angelic vocals. The track was made for the morning coffee sippers, and is the perfect soundtrack for your morning routine.
Denyah, AJRadico
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Denyah
For fans of… Raveena, Tyler the Creator, Kali Uchis
Why listen… Denyah’s sweet soulful voice works perfectly with AJRadico’s deep, energetic voice to create the perfect post summer bop
As the summer slowly fades, this track continues to bring the sunshine. The lyrics are playful whilst the production is fun and upbeat. The collaboration works brilliantly, giving Tyler, the Creator and Kali Uchis vibes, with the contrasting vocals which compliment each other perfectly. The visualizer is incredible too, check it out below! Hopefully there’s more from both artists on the way!
Junior Simba, Pixie Cola
Stick With Me (like you said you would)
UTOPIA Worldwide
For fans of… TSHA, Mafro, Barry Can’t Swim
Why listen… This is summer nostalgia in a song
Junior Simba is making moves as one of the most exciting DJ & producers on the scene right now. He brings a vibrant, groove heavy rhythm to his sets and music and ‘Stick With Me (like you said you would)‘ is no different. For his latest release on UTOPIA (Jaguar’s label) he’s joined forces with Pixie Cola, whose voice fits perfectly on the track making them a dream team. DJ’s get this one on your USB ASAP!
Rio Rainz, Finn Foxell
Sunshine
Insanity Records Limited
For fans of… p-rallel, Jeshi, Nix Northwest
Why listen… ‘Sunshine’ is about bringing light to darkness and will leave you feeling uplifted
East meets West on the new collaboration between Rio Rainz and Finn Foxell. The pair fuse together drum and bass and jungle whilst letting their distinctive styles shine. The track was produced by Dom Valentin and the lyrics speak to a younger audience who are still figuring things out. The track brings light to darkness and offers support to others going through the same thing. The music video is also a must watch!
Casnova, KAM-BU, Bawo
Ricky Hatton
AURA x MOVES Recordings
For fans of… IZCO, Danny Sanchez, Pinty
Why listen… A relaxed head bopper that you need to know about
Casnova has released his highly anticipated ‘Alignment EP’. ‘Ricky Hatton’ is the fourth track on the EP and sees him collaborate with two absolute talents, KAM-BU and Bawo. Speaking about the EP on Instagram, Casnova says “I wanted the EP to hit all the genres of dance music that I love deeply and with the help of some amazing artists I was able to bring the project to reality. Without them it wouldn’t be possible so a real thank you.”
Lucy Tun
Rabbit Hole
Lucy Tun/Platoon
For fans of… Björk, Eliza Legzdina, Bktherula
Why listen… ‘Rabbit Hole’ is a dark, energetic track that you’ll want on heavy rotation
Burmese-British rising star Lucy Tun is back with her latest single ‘Rabbit Hole’. The track is about growing up, Lucy says “I wanted to encapsulate those fleeting moments of existential crisis that everyone experiences at some point.” The lyrics for the song were inspired by a conversation Lucy had with a friend about them giving up on their dreams. Lucy has left us wanting more with ‘Rabbit Hole’ and luckily her EP ‘UNREAL’ will be released mid-October, so we don’t have too long to wait!
Star.One
Keep It On The Low
S1
For fans of… Blinkie, DJ Q, Conducta
Why listen… ‘Keep It On The Low’ is an energetic ode to Notting Hill Carnival
Soundsystem culture is in Star.One’s blood. As children, Joe and Adam were first taken to Notting Hill Carnival by their father (a singer, producer, and DJ who in the 1970’s, would lug his own system to parties across the capital). They released this banger just in time for this year’s carnival, as it fuses together UKG and dancehall. You can always rely on the two brothers for BIG tunes!
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