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 November. Starring Tyson, Karen Nyame KG, Jay Lewn, Liv East, Ezra Collective, The Silhouettes Project, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Turt, André 3000, Arlo Parks, Tyler Daley, Children of Zeus, Kokoroko, Hagan & Blue Lab Beats…
TYSON, Karen Nyame KG
Promises (Remix)
LADIES MUSIC PUB
For fans of… Hagan, James Massiah, Yiigaa
Why listen… This highly anticipated remix will get you moving and heating up any dance floor.
Also known as ‘The Rhythm Goddess’, Karen Nyame KG is one of the most exciting DJs and producers in the dance music scene right now, making absolute waves with her distinctive soulful sound. This time she’s remixed TYSON’s track ‘Promises’ which first dropped in summer. The remix slides up the tempo and adds an afro-beat twist to make ‘Promises’ dance floor ready. Speaking about the remix on Instagram, TYSON says, “It is pure, warm, sexy perfection. Get your body moving for the weekend”.
Jay Lewn
Blindsider
SATELLITE KID
For fans of… Frank Ocean, Biig Piig, Tame Impala
Why listen… ’blindsider’ is an empowering and energising track with a captivating chorus that you’ll be singing back in no time.
London-born artist and producer Jay Lewn is pioneering a fresh new sound as he blends together elements of R&B, pop, punk and funk. He’s previously collaborated with the likes of JGrrey, Che Lingo and Jaz Karis and written for artists like Jayda G and Loja, to name a few. Jay’s brand new track ‘blindsider’ is anthemic and captures the emotion of a friendship that quickly turns sour. It’s his last release of the year and on Instagram he calls it “the best one yet“.
Liv East
You Got Me
Liv East Music
For fans of… Kali Uchis, Jungle, Amy Winehouse
Why listen… This soulful and romantic track will leave you daydreaming about your crush.
Taken from Liv’s debut EP, ‘You Got Me’, is the lead single and is a dreamy fusion of neo-soul, funk and R&B. The track is romantic and warming, written about two people at the start of a relationship. Liv teamed up with producers Likes LDN and Payfone for this one, which really brings the track to life. As the year comes to an end, Liv has made some serious moves this year and I’m already excited to see what 2024 has in store for her!
Ezra Collective
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Partisan Records
For fans of… Oscar Jerome, Nubya Garcia, Nubiyan Twist
Why listen… I think it’s time we start feeling festive, and Ezra Collective have got just the ticket!
What a year it’s been for Ezra Collective and they’re not done yet as they share their fresh take on a Christmas classic. The cover comes as part of Spotify Singles: Holiday Collection with other artists also covering some festive faves. Ezra Collective’s drummer Femi comments “Christmas music is all about carols. The simplicity of them, but also the beauty in the melodies. I guess also growing up in church, around the Christmas period it’s the carols I would hear. For us, this tune is a really wavy carol, such a beautiful melody. So much to interpret and make your own.”
The Silhouettes Project, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Turt
West End
ROOT 73
For fans of… Summer Sons, Kofi Stone, Nix Northwest
Why listen… ‘West End’ is a certified head bopper that you’re going to love.
Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn have joined forces with The Silhouettes Project and Turt for new tune ‘West End’. The track comes after Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn’s latest album ‘The South’s Got Something To Say’ back in September. The pair have been making incredible alternative hip hop over the years and it doesn’t look like they’re stopping any time soon. On Instagram, The Silhouettes Project said this is “For the ones that trust the process and ride with the ebbs and flows”.
André 3000
I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me
Sony Music
For fans of… Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders
Why listen… Possibly the most talked about album on the planet right now, have a listen to find out why…
André 3000’s highly anticipated album ‘New Blue Sun’ is out now, but it’s not what everyone was expecting. The first single’s title ‘I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me’, says it all. It’s a stunning, peaceful, 12 minute ambient jazz track that transports you to calmer times. Whilst it might not be rap, it certainly is beautiful and might be just what we all need right now.
Arlo Parks
Jasmine
Transgressive Records
For fans of… Jai Paul, Olivia Dean, Joesef
Why listen… This cover of Jai Paul’s ‘Jasmine’ is simply stunning.
The incredible Arlo Parks has announced a deluxe edition of her latest album ‘My Soft Machine’, which is due on December 8th via Transgressive. She has just shared ‘Jasmine’, a take on Jai Paul’s hugely popular 2013 track. On Instagram she says “Jai Paul’s record shifted the culture and turned my world upside out. ‘Jasmine’ in particular had this squelchy, moody romance that burrowed its way into my heart and has stayed there ever since. I decided to collaborate with my old friend and funkle Dave Okumu on a cover of the tune.” The track features an accompanying music video which is really beautiful too.
Tyler Daley, Children of Zeus
All I Need
Tyler Daley
For fans of… The Mouse Outfit, Cleo Sol, Jerome Thomas
Why listen… This soulful gem needs a place on your playlist.
Children of Zeus are renowned for their smooth, soulful sounds and intricate lyricism. However, one half of the duo, Tyler Daley, has been making music on his own, whilst still capturing the Children of Zeus sound. The support the pair show for each other is heartwarming and their synergy on stage and down to earth chat is wonderful to watch. Speaking about his latest single ‘All I Need’, Tyler said, “I feel like a new artist all over again, with a lot to prove and a lot to learn. I think it’s probably just what I need, the fire is in me. Can’t wait to show you all the music I/we have been working on.”
Kokoroko, Hagan
War Dance (Remix)
Brownswood Recordings
For fans of… Karen Nyame NG, Juls, Ahadadream
Why listen… No one does it quite like Hagan so this remix is obviously HUGE.
Kokoroko dropped their epic album ‘Could We Be More’ last year and have now released ‘Could We Be More Remixes’, featuring the brilliant remix of ‘War Dance’ from Hagan.
Hagan is known for staying true to the UK’s gritty and bass-heavy sound, whilst maintaining firm roots to his African background. Hagan says on socials “Grateful to be a part of this project as Kokoroko was a big source of inspiration for ‘Textures’ & ‘Good Food’. Been testing this remix for a minute and trust me, it works.”
Blue Lab Beats
Never Doubt
Decca Records France
For fans of… Alfa Mist, Ezra Collective, Poppy Daniels
Why listen… ‘Never Doubt’ marks an exciting new era for Blue Lab Beats!
The jazztronica duo, Blue Lab Beats, are back with a slightly new sound. ‘Never Doubt’ as the title suggests is about not doubting yourself in challenging times & acknowledging that change may be important to your growth in life. The instrumental track takes us on an uplifting journey and really showcases their talent. Having recently deleted their previous Instagram posts, it seems like a fresh start is on the cards. I can’t wait to hear what they share in 2024!
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
