The Front Room Sessions #4 Feat. Mark Burgher
This edition of the #FrontRoomSessions is going to be a stellar one. It will be featuring pianist Mark Burgher.
Mark Burgher is a pianist, composer and arranger with a contemporary style with hints of soul, jazz and gospel.
Formal lessons in piano and percussion from an early age, and growing up as a main musician in a Pentecostal church, equipped Mark with a classical and measured approach evident in his improvising playing and compositions. His recordings include Music For Life, Val Morgan and Genevieve Morris.
Known in the London gospel circuit, Mark has played or composed for a number of artists in the past including One Accord, the Brothers, Charisma, the Churchboyz and Ian Green. Mark is currently playing for Boney M.
If you haven’t tuned into a live session yet, what have you been waiting for? Head on over to The Front Room’s YouTube Page and catch up on the amazing soulful UK talent that has been featured so far. And you can catch this session live on YouTube from 7PM on Thursday 11th Feb.
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THE FRONT ROOM SESSIONS #3 – FEAT. RYAN CARTY
The Front Room is here again for a third week of amazing musical talent from the UK. This week wil be featuring singer/songwriter Ryan Carty.
Ryan Carty is a singer songwriter from Croydon, South London known for his smooth vocals and soothing tone.
Ryan has recorded with artists such as Emeli Sandè, Ronan Keating and Elton John and has performed with artists such as Stormzy, Kano, Childish Gambino, Roy Ayers and Candy Staton to name a few.
Over a decade after his debut album ‘Journey to Purpose’ his long awaited return to the centre stage is on the horizon. The growth period is evident. Expect vocal artistry, harmonic brilliance and song writing that is both candid and heartfelt.
Join the virtual event this Thursday at 7 PM live from The Front Room YouTube Channel. Subscribe and hit that bell, to be reminded of when their live sessions take place.
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ONES TO WATCH – VALNTNA RELEASES A POWERFUL AND COMPELLING NEW SINGLE TO UPLIFT ‘BLACK KINGZ’ WORLDWIDE
Empowering, eloquent and unifying, VALNTNA conveys the world around her with considered hard-hitting lines and soulful softness in new single ‘Black Kingz’.
LISTEN TO ‘BLACK KINGZ’ ON ALL DIGITAL STREAMING PLATFORMS
Premiered on BBC Radio 1Xtra with DJ Ace, the record made its poignant debut during Black History month ahead of the striking visuals, which are set to release in the last week of October. Lyrically dissecting the obstacles, the pain and suppression of black men, VALNTNA creates an uplifting message of unity, strength and power that can be accessed universally via her soulful and complex singing ability.
“I deliver a powerful message to shine a light on these issues, empowering all Black Kingz to come together, uplift themselves and each other & embrace the change that is distinctly upon us. Projecting Love, Healing & Unity” says the singer and songwriter from South London.
Produced by Pink Mayne who also helped curate VALNTNA’s previous single ‘CCW (Confidently Constantly Wrong)’, ’Black Kingz‘ flows with melodic variances guided by her R&B and Soul influences, yet her customs and South London upbringing infiltrate
her style making the product nostalgic but current. Guitar melodies work in sync with the chorus staying prominent but subtle, smooth synth pad chords add brightness and fill the track, whilst the trap drums and bouncy 808s add movement creating an emotive lullaby delivered in a honeyed vocal.
With a passion for music stemming from her love of 90’s R&B and Soul music, VALNTNA cites some of her influences as Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and Lauryn Hill. Captivated by soothing harmonies that gently ooze unforgettable melodic hooks, driven by powerful lead vocals, her work today has embodied what she loves most about the material she draws inspiration from, alongside her own unique positioning in today’s world as a twenty-something woman with a voice.
VALNTNA is an artist of technique, growth, and emotion, and ‘Black Kingz‘ displays each quality exceptionally. Her ability to openly challenge important topics and call for unity within our communities is bold, impactful and necessary.Stay up to date with VALNTNA by following her socials for news about upcoming releases & more: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / FACEBOOK / YOUTUBE / SOUNDCLOUD / SPOTIFY
ONES TO WATCH – IRISH MUSIC SENSATION OVIE CONNECTS TO HIS ROOTS WITH R&B/AFROBEAT HIT ‘ONE MORE TIME’
Ovie (Oh-vee-ay) is the Irish music sensation that highly impressed critics the world over with his debut single ‘Dublin Girl’. Now sitting on Spotify’s Afro-Bashment playlist alongside the likes of Wizkid, Burna Boy, NSG & Jorja Smith with his addictive new RnB/Afrobeat single ‘One More Time’ sees yet another breakthrough as the star continues to rise.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: OVIE – ONE MORE TIME
Ovie has applied himself to every aspect of his craft, often taking steps back and forth before finding both his way, and his sound. A self-taught producer, video director, and writer that centres powerful and emotive song writing at the forefront of all of his music, ‘One More Time’ is a departure from the sound of ‘Dublin Girl’ as he connects to his Nigerian roots, the Afrobeats melodies and the Afrocentric delivery that prevails, resulting in an arrival to his sound.
Written alongsideJay Pizzle, ‘One More Time’ captures the idea that while someone might seem to have it all, they are not necessarily happy. Talking about the new single, Ovie explains “Production wise I wanted to create a juxtaposition between the lyrics on paper and the vibe of the song. Lyrically I tried to be very honest…. It’s really a sad song but if you were to listen passively, I think you’d probably miss that. I told the story of a guy who seemingly has everything but is unhappy because he lost what really mattered in the process of getting everything he thought mattered.”
Accompanied with a sensational, self-directed and self-edited video, the emotion of its creator is palpable, Ovie explains: “My scenes were full of muted colours, sadness, rain, lightning and rigidity and the scenes of the person I’m missing are happy, colourful, dynamic and she’s dancing etc. She’s what is missing, and I wanted to make that really really clear. I hope that came across…”
Whilst 2020 has been a different year for Ovie, it’s also been one that might well prove to be crucial in his development as an artist. It has been a year to allow him to figure out who he is as an artist, to allow him to discover that feeling about music that he has never felt before, something that he is now ready to share with the world
Stay up to date with OVIE by following his socials for news about upcoming releases & more.
SPARKING RAVE REVIEWS AND SUPPORT FROM SOME OF THE SCENES MVP’S, ELTEE RELEASES SOPHOMORE SINGLE ‘FREAK’
After receiving rave reviews and sparking a wave of high-profile followers with his debut single ‘Who Do You Love’, East London’s Eltee returns alongside another Chris Rich production (DigDat, Aitch, Abracadabra, Unknown T, Bandokay) for new single ‘Freak’,
Only making his break into the scene in September with the GRM Daily premiered ‘Who Do You Love’, Eltee has quickly made his impression with some of the scenes MVP’s including Charlie Sloth, Rimzee and Steel Banglez who were swift to follow the rising star on social media to keep a close eye on his moves. BBC Introducing also jumped on board to offer their immediate support and Eltee’s subsequent flow of acoustic performances, including his highly praised #SelectSession with Crep Select (which has been viewed nearly 30,000 times) has sparked the comments sections to compare him to the likes of Rod Wave, Post Malone and Tory Lanez thanks to his unique balance of gritty lyricism, soulful delivery and penchant for drill beats.
Making his sophomore release, Eltee continues to define his sound and continue his journey of discovery with ‘Freak’ as he meshes R&B vocals with heavy bass and 808 laced drill. A catchy hook and strong melodies see Eltee flexing his vocal range with gravely tones that complement the hard-hitting drill beat as he laments his desires for a lady. Coinciding with the track release is the Flash Johnson directed video release on GRM. From the drone shots over the rooftops of London city and rolling through the streets in a G-Wagon to the confident performances to camera and dances with his accompanying cast, it’s hard not to find a connection to the young East Londoner. Finding the untapped equilibrium between raw street anthems and soulful R&B classics, Eltee has a refreshing interpretation of music laden with sauce-packed presence.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: ELTEE – FREAK
Stay up to date with ELTEE by following his socials for news about upcoming releases & more:
PR: jenna@tenletter.co.uk | @TenLetterPR
RADIO: Nina@tenletter.co.uk | @TenLetterRADIO
Love Live Music? The Front Room Hosts Live Music Event
If you love live music and miss attending live events, The Front Room has you covered.
The Front Room is a live music venue in our home town, Croydon. They will be hosting a string of events for the next six weeks, streaming live from their Front Room stage on YouTube. Thursday 21st January will be the first instalment of a line up of amazing UK talent. Singer/Songwriter Sherika Sherard will be performing from the Front Room to your front room (or bedroom😉) with her acoustic soulful sound. So set your reminder, get your wine ready tune in an intimate evening of beautiful, live music. Streaming online from The Front Room’s YouTube channel here.
Future Dates
Thurs 28th Jan
Thurs 4th Feb,
Thurs 11th Feb
Thurs 18th Feb
Thurs 25th Feb
For updates on future events follow The Front Room on their Social Media Platforms
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
#livemusic #livemusiclaunch #bestmusicevent #virtualevent #livemusicspace #soulmusic
New Music From Ayso
Check out up and coming artist, Ayso’s new track ‘Bang’. And trust me, it bangs😉. Mixing UK Hip Hop, RnB and Afrobeats to deliver this fire ‘Afroswing’ tune.
Artist: Ayso
Song: Bang
Producer: @dsmadeit
Check Ayso on his socials @aysoofficial
#NewMusic #Afroswing
Music Picks For Black History Month 2020
As Black History Month draws to a close, we decided to curate a micro playlist of contemporary U.K. artists to celebrate #bhm2020.
We wanted to highlight some of the U.K’s black musicians who have openly touched upon topics relating to the black experience in the UK via their music. The urban music scene is having a fantastic run, there has never been a time where urban music has dominated the UK music chart. And we want to say to all the musicians who have the scene popping right now, We see you, and we salute you. Stand up UK!!
In no order of preference we have chosen:
1. Dave – Black
This is a powerful song. Which is probably why Dave chose to perform this song at the 2019 Brit awards Opening the track with the lines “Look, black is beautiful, black is excellent / Black is pain, black is joy, black is evident.” lightly describing the intricacies of the black experience. Dave, describing his ‘black experience’, which a lot of black people from an inner-city can relate to, has created a brilliant piece of work that has so many layered compartments.
2. Kojey Radical ft. Mahalia – Water (If Only They Knew)
This video version of the song ‘Water’ opens with verse 2 from his song ‘Superhuman’ (performed by Michaela Coel), which points out a system that isn’t built to accommodate Black people, while black people become victims of cultural appropriation and exploitation. Being the artistic visionary that he is, Kojey Radical has created a piece of art that expressed the excellence, strength and love of black people, all the while projecting the struggles faced as part of the black experience.
3. Stormzy – Superheroes
Stormzy’s Superheroes is such an uplifting, positive breath of fresh air, a celebration of blackness. Superheroes is a track that every black kid should hear. Giving hope and inspiration to the youth who grow up in the inner city. The visuals 🤗 created this whole world for the song. It is not often you see a Black cartoon with a superhero. In true Stormzy fashion, he’s is unapologetically black speaking on subjects that affect the black community.
Ghetts ft. Skepta – IC3
Ghetts and Skepta team up on this absolute smasher IC3. Reclaiming the Police code for Black people, go back to back with some hard-hitting lyrics on the track “Don’t tell me go back where I came from / When the Queen sits there in stolen jewels / Cool. I go back with a chain on / I light up the place like Akon”. Highlighting the hypocrisy in British society. The track is a bit of a rags to riches story, celebrating being successful and black, but not forgetting where they have come from. “Who would’ve thought back then / we’d be some powerful black men? / Back when we was in estates I was trapped in, trappin’ / You don’t know how it’s impacted us / Can’t block a nigga when flats with us / Abandoned flats where the mandem trap”.
Ghetts ft. Kojey Radical – Blackrose
This is such a beautiful track. A perfect depiction of the realities of colourism, fatherhood and diaspora blues. This was a much-needed reassurance towards black women from black men. “Daddy, how come there’s no dolls that look like me in the shop?” is the opening question from his daughter, which is a question that many black girls asked when they become cognisant that they are different, which is just one of the many things that chip away at the self-worth of a black girl as she grows into society. Ghetts contributes to the conversation of colourism that is an ever-present reality within the black community, in conjunction with all the other issues that black people face on a daily.
Kano – Teardrops
Teardorps taken from Kano’s 2019 summer hit album ‘Hoodies All Summer’. The premise of the video (GRM Rated Awards performance) itself is the police brutality and deaths at the hands of the police (which actualy does exist in the UK but to the extent as it is in America). This is a dedication to those who have lost their lives to police brutality in the UK. A statistic towards the end of the video reveals that more than 100 Black people have died during or following police contact in the UK since 1990.
Bashy – Black Boy
This is a classic tune. Filled with inspiration for young black men. I think this song will always be a reminder for young black boys to remember that they are great and could be anything that they want to be despite the challenges that they may face in society because of the colour of their skin. Having role models to look up to is of such importance for the development of young boys. And thats what make this song so powerful.
Black history month is not just for black people. It is for all people to educate themselves on the contributions that black men and women have made to society. And the many untold stories, institutionalised racism that occurs on a day-to-day basis, and the barriers to progress, that black people face year in year out.
DJ MAK 10 AND BALA BALA BOYZ JOIN FORCES IN HARD HITTING FUNKY TRACK ‘MAD IN THE FETE’
Multi-genre DJ and Producer MAK 10 has linked up with London’s Congolese led MC Group Bala Bala Boyz to make the hit single ‘Mad In The Fete’ which, as the name suggests, is set to go crazy at any party or function.
MAK 10 is no stranger when it comes to the UK music scene with his career beginning with the infamous grime group, Nasty Crew, working alongside legendary artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Ghetts, Kano, D Double E, Footsie, etc. Making him one of the pioneers of the London genre Grime, Throughout the years DJ MAK 10 has been able to master his craft as a DJ and producer while evolving with the changes that come over time and being able to adapt to the shifts in music is not done overnight. From Grime to House to UK Funky, MAK 10 has shown his expertise in all areas of dance music and this latest single displays this.
From the sharp hitting snares and the 4 to the floor kick drum, ‘Mad In The Fete’ instantly grabs attention and is a bold introduction to the rest of the track. Followed by cutting synth leads and deep bass melodies, the track will get listeners bopping their heads in enthusiasm from the steady drumbeat and with a screwface on from the dark and exciting sounds. The 131BPM, which is typically used in UK Funky, sets a perfect pace for the MC group, Bala Bala Boyz, to bring their unique and distinctive rap style and flow to.
Bala Bala Boyz are a London’s MC group of Congolese descent consisting of members – Chef Kalinga 9, King Bala 5, Orz Trinity 7 and Moj Zyo 1. Each member residing in a different corner of the city but all sharing the same Congolese background which sets the foundation of the collective. B.B.B are known for their use of fusing Lingala, a Bantu language used in Congo and parts of Angola, with London slang and sounds of the U.K. underground. In January 2020, DJ mag described the Bala Bala Boyz as “trailblazers for authenticity, melding genuine elements of traditional, Congolese-led flows with the new, and deriving their own dialect in the process: Linglish.”
‘Mad In The Fete’ is set to make a mark by fusing genres and styles to evaluate dance music and bring it to new areas. Also, the track is released on one of London’s biggest and well-established radio station/record label – Rinse FM. This being the home to most of the popular UK dance music and artists such as Katy B, Geeneus, P Money, Novelist, Roska, etc, making Rinse FM a perfect match for the single. With support from BBC Radio 6 Music DJ, Mary Anne Hobbs, DJ MAK 10 and Bala Bala Boyz have hit the floor running and continue to reach the right audience.
STREAM/DOWNLOAD – MAK 10 FT BALA BALA BOYZ – MAD IN THE FETE
Make sure to follow DJ MAK 10 and Bala Bala Boyz on the socials to stay up to date with upcoming releases and updates.
DJ/Producer Duo 633 Drop New Single Take Control
EAST LONDON’S HOTTEST DJ/PRODUCER DUO 633, RELEASE SOPHOMORE SINGLE ‘TAKE CONTROL’ FT. NIZZY, DROWZE, KIDALPHA & OB FLAMEZ
Soul-stirring and culturally immersed, East London’s hottest DJ and production duo 633 return with their release of single ‘Take Control’ featuring Nizzy, Drowze, Kidalpha and OB Flamez.
Making a strong entry to 2020 by working with artists including KSI, AJ Tracey and JME, 633 also dropped their debut single ‘Run Around’, which received strong support across Kiss Fresh, BBC Radio 1Xtra, theresnosignal and over 120,000 streams via Spotify. In addition to their production and artist elevation, long-term friends Jevanni Letford (“Royal Wedding DJ” / KSI’s Official DJ / Reprezent Radio) and Eugene Diabour (D Double E), haven’t stopped to take the foot off the gas, with the year seeing them perform at the worlds biggest radio rave ‘Kiss Fest’ alongside names including Calvin Harris, Joel Corry, Gorgon City and Rachel Anson. The final piece of the 2020 puzzle comes as their sophomore release, ‘Take Control’ touches down and they tip it to be the “biggest close to the year.”
Representing the most exciting components of UK Afro-Caribbean culture and drawing upon Afrobeats, R&B and dancehall influences, 633 have found their power in creating unique, melodic and memorable records. “We drafted in Nizzy, Drowze, OB Flames and Kid Alpha to give it an authentic UK Afro sound”, say Jevanni and Eugene who are self-releasing the track. The instrumentation includes ambient swaying chords floating around the foundation of the song and the simple fall to the floor drum beat and afrocentric percussion adds movement. Each individual talent and element come together to display the musical skill and chemistry they have to offer.
Mapping out their own exceptional solo careers respectively, Jevanni has built a strong name as a DJ seeing him support and work with the likes of Skepta, Nile Rogers, Tinie Tempah, Talib Kweli and Kanye West as well as appearing on BBC Sports Relief and making a cameo in the 2018 Snickers TV ad as DJ in Sir Elton John’s hip hop house party. Eugene has gained credits and worked with Cheryl, Kele le Roc, UK hip hop Legend Sway as well as D Double E, Fallacy and many others, so the combination of talents to form the duo, aided by their lengthy friendship, is proving to be a magnificent one.
Stay up to date with 633 by following their socials for news about upcoming releases & more.
