The Skype call inspired ‘When I Call You’ by Francisco Bayon is an uplifting and unique summer anthem. Featuring accordion throughout the track builds up to a huge festival ready texture from just the Skype ringtone. I think everyone can agree that it is a very creative way of using the ringtone. Francisco’s fantastic vocals then come in and deliver some very catchy lyrics and melodic combinations that have been going round in my head for ages after listening to it. Go and get it now!
Set to play WOMAD this year, multi-award winning Afro-pop songstress Wiyaala has come a long way since her humble background growing up in the small Ghanaian village of Funsi.
The last few years have seen Wiyaala rise from rags to riches. Now on the cusp of becoming a worldwide star, the singer hopes to inspire others by spreading her message of love and peace, whilst also raising awareness of the injustices still taking place to this day in third-world countries all over the world.
Her new self-titled album Wiyaala has already received nationwide success in Ghana. She now hopes to establish a global audience.
Stream the single ‘Peace’ from the album here on Soundcloud:
The record is a selection of vibrant Afro-pop anthems sung largely in Sissala, but with a poppy catchiness inspired by Western Culture.
As the singer explains: ‘My album is the product of my environment as a young girl growing up in a West African Village at a time when the influences of Western TV and video first impacted on the African villager …You are hearing my African heritage fusing with the sounds and techniques of western production.’
Wiyaala rose to recognition after coming first place in a 2012 Vodafone Icons reality show as part of the group Black n Peach, a year earlier emerging as the second runner-up in Ghana’s Stars of the Future talent show. She has become famous despite little radio airplay, rejecting the music industry’s ruthless commercialist side and becoming famous as a result of her live performances and what she stands for. Grace Jones, Tina Turner and Angelique Kidjo are artists that she is sometimes compared to.
Often referred to as the ‘Young Lioness of Africa’, she has become renowned for her activism, working to abolish child marriage and abuse in her home continent as well as campaigning for women’s right to education – freedoms that we take for granted here in the Western world.
Her fierce ideals are a result of her impoverished upbringing and being a first-hand witness to social injustice. ‘At school, I have seen young teenage girls pulled out of the classroom to be married off. The next time you see them they are pregnant and selling pepper in the market… When I was small, we were often hungry. Sometimes we would catch a mouse, roast it and share it amongst 3 or 4 children.’
She is currently working on projects with The Ministry of Gender and Child Protection and UNICEF in Ghana.
“The instrumentation and arrangements on the album are sophisticated and provide the perfect complement to Camilla’s clever lyrics and her sometimes poignant, sometimes powerful vocal delivery.” – Nick Dent Robinson
Taken from her brand new album Early Workings of an Open Mind, Karmilla releases this vibrant alternative rock song.
Championing a raw and genuine style of songwriting, her music explores a mix of environmental, personal and political themes rarely encountered in today’s modern rock landscape.
A big supporter of local music scenes, Karmilla is known for her love of playing local gigs and festivals. She is all about the music, believing there is always a connectivity to the people who are part of it and the people who listen to it.
Already she has supported the likes of Frank Turner, playing a family run festival at the musician’s home village in 2015. Upcoming gigs include an acoustic set at Dam Fine Affair festival in Wiltshire on June 18th and another at Readipop Festival in Reading on July 8th.
Aside from music, Karmilla’s passions include running and gardening.
Karmilla has drawn comparisons to the likes of Janis Joplin and Eva Cassidy vocally, whilst instrumentally reminiscent of Britpop legends like Oasis and Stereophonics.
Leave Me To Me and Early Workings Of An Open Mind are both out now!
As the singer explains: ‘Hold Me Once More’ is the first song I ever wrote in English, 3 years ago. It talks about the relationship between me and my dad during my childhood and the lack of love and communication I perceived within it.
In the lyrics of this tune I am quite straight forward, telling him what I have been through, which I never had the courage to do in person.’
The single follows Andrea’s previous emotive electro-pop single ‘I’ll Take Care of Myself’.
Both tracks will appear on the singer’s new EP Soultrip, which tackles an array of personal topics such as Andrea’s relationship with his father, exploring his bisexuality, as well as overcoming his experiences with vitiligo.
‘As the title explains’ states Andrea, ‘it’s a journey into the deepest corners of my soul, starting with the relationship with my dad, going into the very first time I fell in love with a guy, to my first experience in a gay relationship to the relationship with my ex best friend (actual girlfriend now). The progression of concepts for the EP is: absence, lust, apathy, awareness and resolution.’
‘Hold Me Once More’ is set for release on June 15th
‘Somewhere between the ghostly gliding & luscious laments of Kate Bush, the boldness of Björk and the haunting images of Kylie Minogue floating in a lake, comes Sarah Kayte Foster.’ – Backseat Mafia
‘Resplendent, bold and ambitious. It’s her daringness to experiment – and those ethereal, oscillating vocals – that sets Daisy and The Dark apart’ – Chart Shaker
Cinematic in atmosphere and brimming with carnivalesque creativity, Circus is the brand new exciting EP from experimental pop artist Daisy and The Dark (aka Sarah Kayte Foster).
Previously a member of classical chart-topping band the Mediaeval Baebes for five years, Sarah left the band in 2014, after charting at No. 8 in the UK Classical Charts with the double album ‘Of Kings and Angels’.
She has since poured her musical talent into a solo career as Daisy, performing theatrical shows at Secret Garden Party and the Royal Albert Hall, and releasing her 2015 debut EP ‘Red Planet’ as a new interactive app which IBM called ‘the best collaboration between music and technology I’ve seen in a long time.’ The record went on to receive a whole host of online coverage, garnering praise from the likes of SupaJam, Chart Shaker and Noizze.
A vibrant video directed by BAFTA award winning Shreepali Patel accompanies lead single and title track ‘Circus’, with cinematography coming courtesy of award-winner Nicola Daley – making it one of the few music videos to have an all female team at the helm.
Sarah’s creative energy extends beyond music and she has worked extensively as a professional actress, as well as creating artwork, videos, costume and performance art all inspired, like her songs, by her great love of cinema and magic.
Her ethereal and other-worldly style is sure to appeal to fans of artists like Kate Bush, Bjork, FKA Twigs, Bat for Lashes and David Bowie.
Circus EP will be released on July 8th via Foster’s own label, Red Planet Records, and she will play a special free show at Miranda, Ace Hotel London on July 8th to mark the release. For limited free guest list contact info@daisyandthedark.com.
Gearing up for the release of his new album Shapeless Things, alternative rock artist Daniel William Daidone takes his listeners on a wild adventure with this new track ‘On a Holiday’.
Influenced by an eclectic mix of artists including Talking Heads, The Cars and Weezer, Dan’s sound is a creative cocktail of modern rock, indie pop and New Wave.
A man with music in his blood, Dan is the grandson of violin virtuoso Adolfo Daidone (aka Al Duffy), who performed with the likes of The Tommy Dorsey Band, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Gene Krupa.
Dan has already received past exposure for his musical talents, four of his songs appearing in the US Showtime series, Shameless. Two of his tracks were also used in the animation short Bumble Beeing, which was accepted into the Sundance Film Festival.
Having toured extensively in a number of bands including Philadelphia pop-rock group Officer Roseland, Dan has played in locations including the UK, the US and Puerto Rico. Revered venues that he has played at include The Legendary Dobbs in Philadelphia and CBGBs in New York.
In 2008, Dan also took part in a marketing campaign for Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. He was able to raise over one thousand pounds in music sales for the charity.
On top of music, Dan has also lent his creative talents to writing and is the author of a children’s book What Was Our Teacher Doing At The Mall?
Clearly an exciting character, Dan seems certain to spice up today’s rock landscape with his unique sound and persona.
“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music …I get most joy in life out of music.” –Albert Einstein
The words of Albert Einstein have influenced many across the globe and across decades but it is rare to have him as a musical influence. This is how the musical innovator Stan Gemes sets out his vision for the debut album ‘Call Of Ancient Love’, with a musical thoroughness that would make Einstein proud combining studious efforts relating to cultures as diverse as Hindu, English and Russian.
The album is truly inspirational from astonishingly intricate packaging to the way it has been crafted which has entailed travelling to over 60 countries of the World for inspiration, from the golden beaches of San Francisco to the serenity of virgin Russian plains, during which he collected more than 600 CDs. Within the musical landscape of this album, you may well come across influences from Asian flutes to New York’s Broadway shows, the beauty and intensity of African ethnic drums right through to Hispanic beats and ancient Indian choirs, a truly infectious musical cocktail.
Call of The Ancient Love was inspired by a life changing experience involving a mesmerising spiritual performance carried out by an Indian tribe, the power of which he felt ‘arose that night and made each and every single observer at this event embrace emotionally the musical traditions of their own country.’ The impact of that night made him develop a deep love of Indian cultural manuscripts and traditions , then ultimately create the album with the only title he felt fitted, that being , ‘Call of Ancient Love’.
This album is not just meant to be experienced on a music level it is also supposed to help in some ways to de-stress and untangle the worries of the listener. He simply wants those who get into his music to be hypnotized by its natural rhythm, taking the listener to a spiritual level, ‘breathing in the joy of music and breathing out the peace of the music.’ It is a case of wanting everyone who hears the album to feel they are creating their own movie in their own mind – an uplifting and moving musical experience.
Influenced by the golden era of hip hop, UK producer / rapper Zero Dinero comes through with this electrifying new EP The Time Has Come demonstrating some energetic flows, tight rhymes and some very impressive instrumentals.
Guest appearances include Kool Keith (aka Dr Octagon) and Blackalicous’s Gift of Gab, as well as famous scratch DJ, Sir BEANS OBE. The artwork and video meanwhile comes courtesy of Graham Dews (aka PARIS), the artist behind Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto cover. An impressive coup for this Swindon debutant.
A multi-talented musician, Zero Dinero (who’s given name is Nilkesh Mehta) handles all his own production. As well as rapping alongside hip hop legends he also plays guitar, sitar, tablas (Indian percussion), harmonium (Indian Keyboard), and has experience as a hip-hop/ funk/ reggae DJ starting out aged only 14.
Embracing his Indian roots, Zero weaves elements of Eastern philosophy into his lyricism. Some of the themes include meditation, Yoga and reading philosophy – which are uniquely presented for the first time in a Hip hop context.
The rapper’s life has been one of many challenges. Between 1999 and 2000 he travelled the world teaching English to UNICEF kids and learning Spanish fluently, something that has helped him to have such a clear outlook on life. Following a degree in International relations and Law he found himself in a corporate environment, which never sat well with him. He also recently had a serious health scare battling early Testicular Cancer.
Having overcome all this, Zero Dinero is now ready to fully pursue his true calling and has devoted himself to the career in hip hop that he always wanted. Due to his Indian background, his parents thought he should keep music strictly as a ‘hobby’ when he was younger, rather than pursue it as a ‘profession’. The Time Has Come sees him finally overcoming obstacles and following his passions.
With such endorsements from Hip hop royalty; Zero Dinero’s unique eastern influenced debut release will truly add a new dimension to both the UK and global Hip Hop scenes.
Hailing from Norway, fresh pop singer Line Mari releases this rock-infused pop song set to appear on her upcoming album.
Featuring some gorgeous vocals and crisp production, ‘Crush’ was recorded with the help of producer Rob Cass who has worked with the likes of Robbie Williams, Will Young and Paloma Faith.
Having played guitar and piano since the age of 10, Line has long had a passion for music, her mother often telling her she could feel her dancing in the womb. She started writing her own songs and performing to people as a late teenager, although she was very shy at first. However, this shyness also helped to fuel her songwriting, making her lyrics more personal and introspective.
Releasing her debut EP Fly High Fly Low in 2014, Line has already gained some recognition in Norway, her EP receiving acclaim from critics including a top score of 6 from Utropia. Her single ‘Why do I Cry’ was even played on national radio.
“Line Mari’s voice is just indescribably amazing’ – Elza Böröndy, Utropia
A highly versatile musician, Line not only sings and writes her own music, she also plays a number of instruments include guitar, piano and harmonica (she is currently also learning to play the fiddle). She has a keen interest in vintage music and vintage guitars and owns several custom made guitars and her own custom-made pedal-board.
Line was born in Tromsø, also living for some time in Svalbard, one of the most Northerly inhabited places in the world. As a child, she grew up regularly witnessing the beauty of the Northern Lights, as well as once having a close encounter with a polar bear whilst at Kindergarten.
Having already played a gig in Bedford and recorded in London, the singer is now looking to spread word of her talents to the UK.
Having performed at last year’s SXSW festival, Houston rapper Prince William is an exciting new hip hop underdog on the rise.
His latest single ‘Million Ways’ sees him showing off his adept flow and wordplay skills. It centres lyrically around pushing one’s talents in order to be successful.
Written over a year ago, the rapper explains the inspiration behind it: ‘I was working the graveyard shift at a gas station one night (Winter ’14) and decided to play the instrumental on the loud speaker since I was the only one there. I must’ve played the instrumental 100 times that night and then as I was mopping the floor, the flow and the hook just naturally hit me and I recorded it on my next off day.’
Prince William’s inspiring self-confidence and rhymes are likely to appeal to fans of artists like Jay-Z, Childish Gambino and J Cole.
A highly self-motivated artist, Prince William has started a music career through his own determination and grit, setting up his very own record label Lavish Living Ent.
He explains the source of his drive: ‘When I decided to start making music, I called lots of old friends from Elementary all the way to High school and they all (exaggerated with “all” but pretty damn close) dismissed me and that helped me develop my “self-inspiring” attitude and I also learned to depend on myself much more than the average person.’
Prince William has always seen himself as an underdog. Upon entering a contest for indie rappers in 2013 led by local hip hop legend OG Ron C, the rap icon came up on stage and said “I don’t wanna hear music about your problems,if I wanted to hear about problems I would’ve stayed home and looked at bills. This is not the rap game,I want to see girls shake their asses and music I can dance to.”
Knowing from the start that he was different to the other rappers in the competition and that this statement was subliminally aimed at him, Prince William didn’t let it get in the way of his vision, having since proved OG wrong by performing at SXSW and scoring radio airplay from Kiss FM phoenix and an interview with KTSU Houston.
He hopes to continue onwards and upwards continuing to push his own record label and garner a worldwide fanbase.
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