23-year-old Irish songwriter Papa Rua has released his new single ‘G.B.T.M’.Starting out as a Dublin busker, Papa Rua diverges from the Glen Hansard / Dermot Kennedy sound, identifying more with the burgeoning grassroot Irish hip hop / Drill / Afrobeat scene, with Papa Rua holding the torch for Soul and R&B. His past two releases ‘Lorna’s Song’ and ‘Not In My Name’ were released as part of live sessions, earning Papa Rua a growing dedicated online and local fanbase. His debut EP ‘103’ is expected to drop later this year. Written spontaneously during a session for his upcoming EP ‘103’, ‘G.B.T.M’ portrays male vulnerability with sincerity and care. Finding the market saturated with hyper-masculinity, Papa Rua wanted to shine a light on real experiences that contradict this narrative.
‘G.B.T.M.’ is a tune that displays the soulful sound of Papa Rua. This charming track flows with mellow soundscapes to create a dreamy laid back listening experience. Papa Rua layers the song superbly as he creates supple textures through luxuriant melodies and infectious grooves, while the elastic bassline, intricate percussion, and beats add a gritty edge to the song’s soundscape. ‘G.B.T.M.’ showcases Papa Rua’s impressive, mature and irresistible soulful sound and marks him as an artist to keep an eye on.
After a short break from releasing music, Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘She’.This release marks a new and exciting change in direction for the band, both sonically and in aesthetic.
Encased in velvety soul, ‘She’ is an alluring and emotive single from Toshín. Portraying a message of self-awareness and self-love despite obstacles and insecurities, this silken track flows upon a bed of elastic bass, steady cushioned drums, and elegant keys. Toshín coos delicately over an enticing melody while zinging guitar lines and warm horns inject funky elements and retro R&B hues into the musically rich soundscape.
Toshín have shown strong musical growth over the last year. ‘She’ displays this perfectly – a mature, refined sound laced in delicate melodic builds and sensual first-rate musicianship. Looking forward to hearing more from Toshín.
Dublin based neo-soul group Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their second album ‘The Lookout’. The album features 16 talented musicians and was mixed by Ken McCabe (Wolfhound Sound) as well as mastered for both vinyl & digital by Fergal Davis. The artwork used is from ‘Cityscrape 1’ by Irish artist Conor Gallagher.
Danny G & the Major 7ths’ ‘The Lookout’ is a smooth dose of retro soul, drizzled in R&B hues and lush pop tones. Exuding velvety vocals bathed in silken musicianship, each song is a wonderful easy listening experience to indulge in. Within the album the music is uncluttered and drifts on a light euphoric vibe, with soft embellishments on guitars and keys injecting sass and funk-fuelled moments to keep the album bouncing along.
Oozingstrutting guitar lines, foot tapping rhythms and soul drenched vocals ‘Believing ft. Grainne McCarthy’ showcases the band’s ability to surge swagger and sass into their music. The song is about the renewed optimism and almost spiritual belief in love, life and humanity that a new relationship can bring. With a surprising flute solo adorning the track Danny G & the Major 7ths display their fearless, rich and mature musicianship.
Filled with 70’s hues and R&B influences ‘The Lookout’ boasts a broader musical palette than the band’s debut ‘Love Joints’ and showcases an expansive wall of sound that is ethereal, laid back as well as groove infested. From South American percussive elements and jazz hues on trumpet and saxophone in ‘When It All Runs Out’ to the mood changer ‘Good Things Interlude’ the album is a luscious treat on the ears.
‘Good Things’ is an immaculately blended pop smoothie; sweet and creamy with zesty fruity elements on guitars keeping the track edgy while soft brass and keys melt into the honeyed melody. The track induces within the listener a state of dream-like bliss that is simply wonderful and difficult to shake off. Thick, juicy beats are full of hand clapping energy while the luscious harmonies and falsetto embellishments are the cherry on top of this delightful track – simply divine.
Like an opiate of lush melodies, tracks such as ‘Call Me’ cushions the listener’s ears in mellow supple retro-soul while ‘Little Rose’ skips and bounces with flutters of romance on keys. There is enough diversity on the album to keep you hanging from one song to the next.
One aspect of Danny G & the Major 7ths songcraft which is most intriguing is the deepening groove within each track as strutting rhythms, funky bass and guitar lines mangle beneath earthy flutes and emotive vocals. ‘Time The Healer ft. Fehdah & Zaska’ is a prime example of this and displays the band’s rich music and meticulous attention to detail – with a sun-kissed shredding solo and radiant vibes the track is a soothing yet energising gem.
‘The Lookout’ is an excellent demonstration of Danny G & the Major 7ths’ musical prowess. The album features a diverse range of genre’s which are blended into a tantalising collection of melodic mastery. The many musical nuances and exotic elements keep the listener engaged from start to finish and entice you to press the replay button again and again.
Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their new single ‘D.A.R.L.I.N.G.’ feat. Tolü Makay & Jamel Franklin with all proceeds on Bandcamp (Pay what you like) going to MASI. This song was written and recorded in isolation.
D.A.R.L.I.N.G. is a smooth slice of R&B soul. Rooted in a deep funky groove this sultry track drifts over a hip tantalizing beat while the elastic bass wriggles in the backdrop with a warm bounce. Tolü Makay’s vocals melt on top the velvety melody with soulful tones while Danny Groenland’s coos float through the slinky chorus. It’s a clean polished and steamy number filled with rich instrumentation. Lyrically the song evokes the complex feelings of love and longing that are both strained and strengthened by distance. Jazz-infused piano sprinkles a classy chilled tone over the sticky R&B pop elements while Jamel Franklin’s fluid raps roll into the tracks crescendo with an effortless ease. The entire track is a mellow night time schmooze presented with chic class and relaxed swagger.
About the track Danny said : “The genesis of this collaboration came from my group playing gigs with both Jamel and Tolü, I was already a huge fan of both artists. I had the song’s chorus and beat – it gave me an early 2000’s Neosoul vibe. Tolü and Jamel wrote their verses, the Major 7ths added their parts and the song came together really organically.”
The music video was recorded by friends of the artists and represents their different reactions on a video call to a loved one in isolation. See if you can spot some familiar faces* among the 50 people (and 1 cat). Stream it below
Miles Graham is set to release his new EP ‘All The Right Things’ via Peer Music on the 10th July. Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.The ‘All The Right Things’ EP was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman(Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae), with string arrangements from renowned Sally Herbert (Plan B, Usher, Duffy,Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine).
‘All The Right Things’ is a pop and retro-soul filled EP boasting Graham’s refined and passionate musicianship. Miles Graham uses deep grooves, intricate soundscapes and mellow guitar lines to create a unique collection of tracks. From title track ‘All The Right Things’ to the vibrant ‘Don’t Change’ through to the lush coos of the velvety ‘Sunbeam’,Graham adorns each track with warm hooks and peppy twinkles on keys while sprinkling R&B elements on top.
The arrangements throughout are simply outstanding; he delicately blends bubbling rhythms with subtle explosions of melodic counterpoints to create a cohesive and charming body of work. The musical components slowly build upon this and meld into an intricately textured soundscape as Graham utilizes vaporous guitar and laid back tones to add richness to his tracks. This is most evident in the heart-melting tribute to his young daughter, ‘Sunbeam’. Graham soulfully croons in spectacular fashion – while slipping into his sweet falsetto, his velvety tones drift over the sweet melodies with passion and tenderness.
Lyrically ‘All The Right Things’ EP is powerful, profound and deeply personal as Graham ruminates on past experience of the turmoils of a breakup. However Graham is breaking free from the turmoil that comes with hostility on the piano ballad, ‘Give It Up’. Through conversational lyrics which gives a fly on the wall insight to break-up he provides a motivational tune with oodles of passion and gusto.
The softer moments within the EP is where Graham excels, his delicate and emotive vocals, lush harmonies and raw tender moments build in to the tracks groove infested underbelly making each song an engaging and spell-binding listening experience. This is a rare talent and not easy to achieve consistently yet this technique flows effortlessly through Graham’s work marking him as quite the master songwriter. Miles Graham and his intriguing take of music is getting better and better with each release, keep an eye on this artist.
Miles Graham has announced the title of the new single ‘Give It Up Now’ which is set for release on 10th July, along with his EP ‘All the Right Things’. Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.
‘Give it up now’ showcases Miles Graham’s rich soulful sound as he uses passionate emotive songwriting, intricate arrangements and crisp production to create a hair raising listening experience. It’s an earnest piano led ballad as Graham’s velvety soulful vocals melt upon an elegant backdrop of R&B beats and timeless retro tones. It’s a bittersweet number complete with lush harmonies and graceful laments on strings while the strength, emotion and drive is provided by the wonderfully sweet and soothing tones of Graham’s vocals.
Graham builds the song superbly offering his retro soul pop with oodles of power and gusto however he is by no means overpowering. Graham weaves subtle layers within this track to create intrigue. Each verse provides movement and a sultry fluidity that takes this ballad to more dynamic and powerful heights. A great listen.
About the track Graham explains, “’Give it up now’ is about being free of the turmoil that comes with antagonism. It has conversational lyrics that give a fly on the wall incite to break-up, the EP is an emotional narrative within my very dynamic journey . The freedom of letting go ‘It could be better for all you know..’ is perhaps a teasing lyric in the song to some kind of better life ahead, but is ironically ambiguous in it’s positive/negative balance. “
‘Give It Up Now’ is set for release on 10th July, along with his EP ‘All the Right Things’. For more you can follow Miles Graham on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MilesGrahammusic/
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their debut EP ‘Get Your Life’.The EP was recorded by Rob Kennedy in his studio in Donabate, Co. Dublin. It was co-produced by Zapho (Ele Breslin) and the band themselves. Zapho also co-wrote lyrics for two of the songs, “Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire” and “Seriously”.
‘Get Your Life’ is a fun richly textured EP as Toshín create wonderful soul smacked tunes with R&B influences and a tasty peppering of Motown. These guys have a tight sound that oozes confidence and sass. They provide jubilant sounds with sublime saxophone blasts, tantalizing bass grooves and superb guitar work. Toshín possess the mesmerising ability to create elegant moments with their music through the use of wonderful strings and vocal harmony.
The funk flavoured licks and buoyant backdrop glitter with swagger and attitude in ‘Seriously’ and ‘Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire (ft. Zapho)’ as the band layer the tracks with lush textures and grandeur. Jazzy keys and warm brass elements create a sophisticated and wholesome soundscape. The guitars in each track flamboyantly prance with a fluid majesty that maintains contrasting elements of grace and ear-splitting, fret-melting aspects with gritty undertones – all while blending perfectly against the driving bass grooves and elastic beat. The band veer their songs from wiggle worthy sensuality to mosh pit mania seamlessly creating something enjoyable for everyone. Toshín chat through the jam-like ‘Get Your Life (Interlude)’ while ‘Oh Lord’ provides that enthralling glimpse into the bands Motown faction. With its sway-like tempo building tension and creating a smoky atmosphere, the track forms the bands transition into a sound which is darker and more gripping than its predecessors while the outstanding recent single ‘Knock Knock’ is a refreshing strong and moving finale to the EP.
The obvious factor holding all these fantastic and instrumentally deft tracks together is Tosin Bankole’s retro, big-lunged, soulful vocals. She commands attention and controls her powerful voice masterfully bellowing with might before cooing with a sultry sweet rasped tone. She can evoke such emotion, passion and sass with just her voice alone – its mesmerising.
Within each track on ‘Get Your Life’ the band flex their Motown, indie and funk/soul muscles to create a sound that is as lush and vibrant as it is moving and honest. Toshín present an EP brimming with big soul stompers, smooth R&B gems and oodles of swagger. The dynamic soundscapes, crisp production and fizzy rhythms within ‘Get Your Life’ is admirable. Toshín have built a fine body of work doused in professional prowess and slick musicianship.
About the EP Tosin says: “This EP is about getting your life! It’s about feeling good aboutyourself, and being the best you can be. It’s also a mixture ofemotions; “Oh Lord” is about daddy issues, “Seriously” isabout being a queen, and “Eat Sleep” is about trying to get theride. Isn’t that what we all go through?”
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘Knock Knock’, taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Get Your Life’ which is set for release on the 14th of February. Over the last few years, Toshín have played some amazing shows and festivals including Beat Yard festival (2019), Electric Picnic (2019), Body & Soul Mainstage (2019), and Music Makers Festival UK (2019). They have played headline shows in the Workmans for a single launch, Sin E for their 3rd birthday party, alongside Munky in Lost Lane, and alongside Shookrah in the Kino in Cork.
‘Knock Knock’ is a soulful passionate number that boasts the exquisite first rate musicianship of Toshín. This band have a tight, chic and polished sound brimming with emotion and power which translates superbly in this elegant and classy track. The song builds beautifully from a soft emotional and delicate intro to a funky outburst as the band keep the track intriguing throughout. The majestic twinkling guitar weaves gracefully with a lamenting tone while the rich rhythm, brass elements and jazz tonality inject a dash of sass into this tantalizing track. With lush harmonies the band pack oodles of gusto, emotion and instrumental prowess into ‘Knock Knock’. The guitar melodies in particular are outstanding – they flood the track with tender, vaporous and intoxicating characteristics while subtly sweetening each component and melodious fragment at the same time. Tosin Bankole’s vocals rein in the vibrant instrumental backdrop with compelling control. Her vocals display rich depths and warm tones for the powerful chorus while cooing softly and soulfully through the verses. Her vocal control is mesmerising and lifts the track into diva heights. This is one very talented band with music which can ignite the soul. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.
About the track Tosin Bankole said : “Knock Knock for me is about struggling through a bad mental health episode. The song has a darkness to it, not just lyrically but also within the music. It has some more upbeat sections, however, that represent how music got me through those bad times. It’s a really therapeutic song to sing live!”
Toshin will be embarking on an Irish Tour between February and March to promote this new EP. Their tour will culminate in a headline show in Dublin at the Grand Social on March 12th.
Dublin’s alternative rock band TOYGIRL have released their new single ‘Reign’. The song’s earliest conception came about in April 2018 when British/French frontwomen, Hannah Worrall, was experimenting with bass and string loops on Garageband. The song wasn’t finalised until much later in February of this year (2019) after the collaborative input of Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) and Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar). ‘Reign’ was recorded in Temple Lane Studios with the help of engineers Jack Mulligan and Tadgh Maw. The track was professionally Mixed by Stuart Grey at Jealoustown Studios and Mastered by Billy Farrell at same.
‘Reign’ is a groove driven number that burrows you deep into TOYGIRL’s passionate, crisp sound. Sublime guitar work fleshes out the bands classy, jazz side while the rooted elastic bass weaves warm slinky elements and golden vibes into this refreshing number. With a steady beat and Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals, this track is a mellowed out delight with refined instrumental backing. Each component part steadily grooves and drifts perfectly into place to create a superb track to immerse yourself in.
According to the band “The single is a sarcastic and passive aggressive presentation of the mask we all wear in order to make others happy, and in attempts to convince ourselves of our own happiness. The regal imagery accentuates the idea that with great (self-induced) power comes great responsibility. We all strive for normality to fit in and from that we lose everything that makes us unique.”
TOYGIRL are celebrating the release of their debut single with an Irish and UK tour, withdates in Levis’s of West Cork (Sept 28th), the Roundy Cork city (Sept 29th), Roisin Dubh in Galway (Sept 30th), McHugh’s of Belfast (Oct 2nd) and the Workman’s Club Dublin (Oct 3rd).
Toronto’s dynamic 8-piece band Gold Complex have released their new single ‘Driver’.Having regularly sold out renowned venues such as Lee’s Palace, The Horseshoe Tavern and the MOD Club as well as having back-to-back sold out showcases at Canadian Music Week, Gold Complex is grounded in their love for energetic live performance. Following the release of their self-titled EP (currently available worldwide), Gold Complex performed on camera and had their music licensed on the television series Open Heart, currently on Netflix. They have been in regular rotation on CBC Radio One, CUIT FM and college/community radio nationwide. The band is set to release their debut full-length album ‘New Soul’ on February 22nd.
‘Driver’ is a slinky slice of funk flavoured pop rock. Richly garnished this spicy number groves and glides with swagger swept through a three-piece horn section and smooth vocal harmonies. Very classy and chic these guys roll out a velvet carpet of suave instrumentation with a delicate melty melody caressed with soft passionate vocals and a steady beat. The steamy romantic horn section lifts and adds a vaporous quality to the tropical shuffling rhythm while the vibrant chorus twinkles with panache and vibrancy. With funky elements weaving between smooth sultry tones this full bodied number charms and teases its way through a sweet blend of genres. It’s modern, crisp and refined as Gold Complex pack this track to the brim with soul and zest.
Stream ‘Driver’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
