Continuing the recent trend of fresh new talent pouring in from our neighbors to the north, Montreal-based producer and lyricist Matthew Chaim released his latest track “Untitled”. Following up the successful “Vanilla Ways”, Chaim once against enlisted the help of Noah Barer and Cavewerk – fellow Montrealers – on production.
“Untitled” is a catchy, airy track that flows nicely around a crooning, piano and bongo infused hook. While Chaim focuses this song around the always-relatable trope of maturation, this song is sure to hit close to home for many, only increasing its appeal. Stay tuned for more releases of Matthew Chaim’s on the Canada based JUS POP label, and on his Soundcloud page.
NAO was certainly one of our favorite artists to emerge from the UK in 2015, and she reminds us why with her new single, “Fool To Love”. The latest offering from the British songstress serves as an empowering break-up anthem, meant for those who’d prefer to move on rather than wallow in sorrow. While NAO might be expressing regrets over her previous relationship, you’re no “Fool To Love” this track. Stream the tune above and look for more from NAO as she prepares for the release of her debut album later this year.
It’s not often that our resident artist is shrouded in such mystery. The Code, however, are used to being the exception by now. Although details are sparse, one thing we can say for certain about the artist-producer duo is that they are systematically working to reinvent R&B. Their music is often a genre-bending blend of sensual vocals, hazy synths and slinky rhythms. After dropping their highly acclaimed debut 1|11 mixtape back in 2014, the UK based group are currently gearing up to release their upcoming Blue Electronica EP later this year. See if you can crack The Code yourself by sampling of some of the songs from the project below, along with a unique remix of Calvin Harris‘ “How Deep Is Your Love”.
A few months ago, as we looked ahead into this friendly partnership with Cadence & Cause, we had the opportunity to visit with one of their featured charities, Youth On Record. Located in Denver, Colorado, this organization seemed right up our alley. Essentially, they provide music education to at-risk teens, all of which can be counted towards school credit.
On paper, we were already behind their mission, from the simple standpoint that we love seeing new musicians being influenced and inspired. We didn’t know how much we would love what they do until we went down there.
The space they’ve set up is a musician’s playground, complete with a full recording studio that includes a tracking room and vocal booth. Kids walk around playing a bevy of different instruments, joined by fellow classmates throwing down bars on whatever it is that’s playing. In every nook and cranny, you’ll find these developing musicians collaborating, talking at length about what their project should sound like. It’s impossible not to beam from ear-to-ear, enjoying every minute of what you’re witnessing.
We wanted to know more about what this place meant to the actual people who were benefitting from it – the students. On the day they were set to perform with Twenty One Pilots, we caught up with a few of the organizations best and brightest. Check out what Christian, Naimah, Shewit, Alex, and Justa had to say.
We’ve made it easy to support Youth On Record. You can find numerous campaigns on Cadence & Cause which feature music, merch, and memorabilia from artists eager to help this impressive cause. If you’re in Denver, you can volunteer for them, which we highly recommend.
A very special thank you to our friends at Blurred Pics for putting this video together, and to CRL CRLL for letting us use his song.
“Odd Future” is the latest original track from the Toronto vocalist JAHKOY. Produced by WondaGurl and Nova, this soulful R&B meets future concoction is the wind-down song you need to ease into the weekend. It has that Drake-esque vibe, a sort of mixture of sing-song and rap on top of an airy downtempo beat. For such a minimal production, it actually flows quite lively, and picks up at the end with a more upbeat percussion sequence that really concludes the track decorously.
JAHKOY has been continuously establishing as an act that can make it to the top. The artistry and vision are there, it’s just a matter of time before a ton of people start jumping ship to the JAHKOY ride. UMG Recordings released “Odd Future,” which means that it is up on iTunes for purchase. We got a copy, and we suggest you do too. Lastly, as stated on the artist’s Twitter, we can expect something soon by the name “TEMPTATIONS.” Be on the lookout!
It has been a minute since we posted some fresh Free n Losh, but we’re always amped when we do because these guys absolutely kill it. Every single tune of theirs is well above The Music Ninja’s expectations, affecting us in ways we never before thought possible.
Their music captivates listeners with releases that share a common trait, one which embodies a soulful sound that brims with unmistakable passion. This facet is evident in the duo’s latest original, “Kill My Lonely,” which reaches an undiscovered level of artistry as they lock in in the flawless vocals of Allan Rayman. His heartfelt voice has listeners hanging onto every single word, creating an effect of intimacy and connectivity to the music.
“Kill My Lonely” is nothing short of beautiful. Its gentle textures provoke feelings of sadness, but it is the sort of sadness that nourishes us; the type of sadness that reminds us that we are human. So go ahead and allow yourself to get down with your emotions by checking out their latest.
When it comes to an artist such as Jelani Blackman, you never know what you’re going to get. Hearing “Submarine” for the first time is jarring. It’s a wake-up call. No pun intended, but it explores the depths of Jelani’s voice and molds together nicely with the chronically intoxicating production surrounding his commanding presence.
His three releases are spread out over the last year, from the soft and sensual Twenty//Three to the boom bap inspired Repeater, and they each take on a life of their own, with “Submarine” striking a comfortable balance of elements between these previous two songs. The grit that Jelani Blackman portrays is magnetic. It’s most apparently in each tune’s construction and production, but the London native clearly is no stranger to illustrating his feelings through his lyrics as well. More exploration is certainly warranted, and the intrigue isn’t going away. Don’t miss out.
