Headlines Drops Killer New Single ‘Stepped On’

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Hip Hop group Headlines ups the levels to extraordinary heights as they deliver a new single ‘Stepped On,’ a single that faces all forms of discouragement, and uses that energy to fuel the fire of motivation.

The single was inspired behind by an artist’s journey in the music world and the surrounding issues of trying to establish yourself in the music scene. The journey is tough as sometimes it it can be hard and thankless work.

Headlines’ rapper/musician Aye One goes on to say that initially he thought it would be a song about receiving the reaction he wanted from his artistry. It then developed into a song that they could adapt to a lot of situations in life, not just for artists’ but for any occupation.

On what they want people to take away from the single, Aye One simply said, “I want people to blow off some steam, and use that energy when people doubt you, ignore you or say you can’t do something,”

“You can hold me down but I’m a get up!”.

Over the years the group cleverly built a body of work which makes Headlines a name to remember.  Headlines is made up of rapper/musician Aye One, rapper/producer Dstnce and rapper/vocalist Teepz. Together they’ve been writing tunes and rocking shows. Last year saw them release their debut self titled E.P, along with a solo record from Dstnce. The duo have also played across Australia, in cities such as the Gold Coast, Sydney  and Melbourne supporting the likes of P Smurf, Krown and Pang Productions.

Links:

Spotify | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thierry Wone & Maggie Tra Rediscover Their Roots On New Lo-Fi Single ‘Le Poids D’une Larme’

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Mixing his Senegal/Vietnamese roots with a multi-cultured French up-bringing rapper Thierry Wone teams up with Australian born Cambodian/Vietnamese DJ/Producer Maggie Tra for ‘Le Poids D’une Larme’. The single is a collaborative effort, produced by Maggie Tra along with Thierry Wone which features stunning French lyrics that resonate without translation.

Oozing with emotive feels, and wobbly lo-fi production, ‘Le Poids D’une Larme’ translates to “The weight of a tear”. Collaborating online, across continents and time zones, the song is about the contradiction of love and why we stay in situations/relationships that aren’t good for us.

Speaking on the release Thierry Wone goes on to say “It’s a song about why we still love what makes us cry. That’s what I am asking myself and everybody: what is the real weight of tears? But also, is it love without the heart? Is it even better when it hurts? It makes us feel alive”.

Thierry reached out to hotbed of talent Maggie Tra, which has lead her to make her debut as a producer. “Thierry and I both have Vietnamese heritage, despite him being in France and me in Hanoi – Vietnam, during lock-down we connected with our backgrounds,”

The single identifies as unity, the artists’ feed off each other’s energy as they both are on a journey of self-discovery of their roots through music whilst also supporting POC and Asian POC in the music industry.

 

Alt-Urban Pop Artist SULLS Releases Coming Of Age EP ‘Revelations’

On the come up from Queens, New York, Alt-Urban Pop artist SULLS gets vulnerable in a coming-of-age EP ‘Revelations’.

‘Revelations’ sees SULLS unfold layers of himself through-out each track, whether it’s going through a broken down perspective of relationships, battles brought on by signs of depression, or facing fears brought on by self-doubts, there is no filter from SULLS within this EP.

The 5-track EP is a snappy, smooth and uplifting delivery of styles. The artist uses his voice as an anchor, as well as a vehicle whilst effortlessly fusing R&B and Dance alongside influential hints of Hip Hop.

On the importance of this EP, SULLS expresses that, “I feel that this project was a way to address some of these personal issues felt, in the hopes that it may uplift other artist’s such as myself as well as listeners that may be dealing with similar issues,”

‘Defining’ is a stand alone single from the EP, as it focuses on people facing insecurities and struggles through life changing events, as well as rediscovering strength’s which carry on towards bettering ourselves. SULLS reiterates that, “Imperfections are what make us who we are, and learning to accept them defines us,”

This EP is a journey of self-discovery that has seen SULLS pushing  more boundaries by taking chances musically in order to hone his craft by showcasing his own vulnerability’s  and strength‘s throughout his music.

Born in 1981, this future inspired singer/songwriter was raised in a mixed race household in Queens, NY. Having a Puerto Rican mother and an Irish father, music would be a melting pot of styles and rhythms that would ignite a creative drive as you get to know this artist’s music.

Links: Facebook | Stream/Download here | Instagram | YouTube

Me2 Pushes The Boundaries with ‘420’ Single Featuring KraziNoyze

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Indie-pop girl band Me2’s latest offering ’420,’ featuring rapper KraziNoyze shines a light on pushing the boundaries in Vietnam’s current youth culture released by SYS Sister Sounds Label.

Produced by Huy Ngo, ‘420’ has an underlying message of embracing and honouring themselves by being courageous and fearless. The track not only heralds a touching feeling of nostalgia, but also serves as a hard-hitting reminder to Vietnam’s youth, that they shouldn’t be confined by their own limitations.

The playful single oozes with lush vocals and hard-hitting rhymes, coupled with old school hip hop jazzy lo-fi undertones.

‘420’ intertwines the musical and personal journeys of the band and KraziNoyze, showcasing that there is no stopping the new wave of Vietnamese artists’ pushing the boundaries whilst also celebrating their culture.

On the single, lead singer Tu said, “What we want people to take away from this single is that it’s ok to make mistakes, what matters is the courage to try, feel the fear and live your truth,”

Me2 are leading the way of millennial woman in Vietnam in a stirringly raw, unadulterated and authentic way.

Hanoi-based all empowering female indie-pop Vietnamese band Me2 add their own twist, style and flavour on the current landscape of pop music. The band consists of vocalist/songwriter Twinkly Tus who supplies incredible vocals and spellbinding sounds. Whilst keyboardist Miuw, bassist LING and drummer Pen Nichov create an effortless dynamic and vibrant pastiche of sounds infused with the heart and soul. 

Together they are on a journey of self-discovery by experimenting and flawlessly flaunting a variety of genres to form their musical identity. With soulful, romantic yet empowering songs and story telling lyrics, the band strive to connect people and advocate freedom of self-expression, personal identity and acceptance of eccentricity. Further inspiring their listeners to find strength and empowerment in vulnerability. Me2 will undoubtedly shape the future of pop.

Links

Instagram: @me2band | Facebook | YouTube | Soundcould

Cult Shφtta’s Unveil’s New Single ‘Fkn Oath,’ An Ode To Falling In Love

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With a rich tapestry of influence, culture and inspiration, Cult Shφtta releases their latest offering ‘Fkn Oath’, a bounce-worthy Latin Dancehall inspired single. Delivering on both production and vocals, the group create the perfect blend of emotions surrounding love, mixed with feel good vibes.

Delving in to a sweet combination of Rap, Afro-fusion and Reggaeton undertones, Cult Shφtta breaks down the meaning behind their latest joint, “’Fkn Oath is a Latin Dancehall/Reggaeton inspired track with a Western-Sydney twist to it. It depicts the internal conflict of falling in love whilst still being heart broken, lying to ones self in order to maintain a shield on their emotions,”

One of the most prolific group rising in the Australian music industry, Cult Shφtta’s latest offering is sonically a mix between Juice Wrld & Anuel AA – catchy auto-tuned hooks with emotional fast paced raps sprinkled through the verses.

Cult Shφtta have been on the local and international music radar for some time, through various achievements including supporting touring acts such as Ghostface KillaFabulousTroyboiThaiboy Digital, and Thundamentals. They also performed at major festivals such as Splendour in the Grass, Field Day, Snow Tunes, and The Plot and have collaborated with artists including Manu Crooks, Spenda C and Reese LaFlare (USA) as well as featuring on Oh Boy’s latest track “Never Cried So Much” alongside CubsportA.Girl and Isaac Purlie, which reached an impressive 143k streams on Spotify.

Proving themselves as one of the most outlandish and trailblazing artists’ coming out of Australia, the duo are currently collaborating on music with artists’ including Creed The Kid (Brisbane) and Hideyoshi (Japan). A world-takeover set firmly on their minds, last year they performed in Thailand, at Atlantis Water Festival, and also reached 194k views on their single with local Thai MC, NGAZ YB.

On a constant journey to showcase original sounds & styles, Cult Shotta’s latest offering showcases that they won’t be slowing down any time soon.

Links  Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Ollie Roland releases killer new EP Narcissist’

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Stepping out with a project of self-exploration of conduct filled with emotive tapestry, Ollie Rolland returns with a highly anticipated EP ‘Narcissist’.

Every inch as thought provoking as his previous single ‘Kickin In,’ Ollie’s latest offering brings forth vulnerable emotions after loosing a loved one. The rapper effortlessly encompasses happiness whilst navigating through pain and struggles. The EP showcases the rapper’s cheeky character coupled with a growing collection of killer tracks that will hit all the sweet spots.

“It was after loosing my good friend Troy (Troyboy/TB) that made me explore the initial subject. It was at a time of many relevant people dying and others using it for personal gain. I got people close to me from the time and made something that represented the happiness, pain and struggles experienced,”

Not only bringing a welcomed slice of positivity, his unmatchable lyrical wordplay and showmanship has made him further determined to continue his aim for bigger and better. Which is showcased in this self-written and self-produced EP recorded in America featuring Squad (T.P.E.), KD Bandz and RealNamePryncess.

Delving into the EP that provides novice listeners on a story-telling journey, the track ‘Stresses’ is an internal dialogue of Ollie’s thoughts when going through tough times. While ‘Compare Me’ is a slow grind with almost borderline RnB feels evoking emotions.

Whilst relatively new to the music scene, Ollie displays all the skills of an artist who has honed his craft over the years and is ready to spread his music with his own style and flair.

Kazi A Drops Fiery Visuals For ‘Its Real’

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Kazi A returns with late night visuals for ‘Its Real,’ shot by Lombard Lane following the release of his album ‘Trappelation’.

Consistently hitting out head turning music, Kazi’s ‘Its Real’ is no different. The video encapsulates the night time feels we often have, and instead of doubting yourself, the rapper wants you to embrace those late-night thoughts. Which is especially important  during these times.

On the single Kazi said, “Sometimes at night when you are silent all these thoughts come to your head when you are by yourself. Its real,”

“I’m convincing people that it’s ok, they are real thoughts so don’t self doubt. The main message of this song is don’t suppress your negative thoughts express them,”

Kazi’s determination, work ethic and unquestionable talents has made him a pivotal artist in the local Sydney scene. The rapper flawlessly re-enforces that rapping with positivity and realness is not a dying art.

Having peppered music over the last years, Kazi has been rapping since 2000s’. Born in Bangladesh, Kazi was raised by his grandmother. With a unique upbringing, he captures the audience with the art of story telling through rap and poetry.

Ollie Roland Returns With Boastful New Single ‘Kickin In’

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Following the release of his latest single ‘Bloody Hands’, Sydney-based artist Ollie Roland brings ‘Kickin In,’ a single with deep bass and heavy synths riffs that will no doubt stay on repeat until the end of times.

Produced by Ollie himself, ‘Kickin In’ features American artist Squad, in a collaboration that proves there are no limits in his versatility. Staying true to his roots, the track sees Ollie effectively pair beats with cheeky rhymes to create a wicked universe full of pleasures and confrontation. 

On the single Ollie said, “I was in DC after the passing of my brother and this song was born. It brought me and Squad from T.P.E./The Pharmacist crew together and we bonded through-out the song. I want people to vibe with it and feel the energy”.

His expertise working in-studio for the past 10 years has paved his way to his signature sound. With a style that’s enthralling, the rapper shows his bullet-proof talent and skill on every single front: sound engineering, neat production and sleek rapping.

The rapper wants to remind people to have fun and giddy with this single especially at these times, “I want people to have fun with the song and show that Australia isn’t the boundary to collaboration.”

The team responsible for this single is completed by Steven ‘Espa’ Petridis who is in charge of mixing, alongside mastering engineer Glenn Schick who has worked with the likes of Future and many more big name artists’. In fact ‘Kickin In,’ is a perfect teaser of what’s to come, as Ollie continues to work with the same team for his upcoming third release single ‘Narcissist,’ and highly anticipated album slated for release in April. 

Whilst relatively new to the music scene, Ollie displays all the skills of an artist who has honed his craft over the years and is ready to spread his music with his own style and flair.

 

Stream/Download here.

KNOE Returns With ‘Manhattan Summer’

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KNOE takes us back to the sexy warmth of summer nights with his new single ‘Manhattan Summer’, a track that captures the rough sophistication of love in the queen of metropolis.

Once more, KNOE unfolds his seemingly effortless ability to transport the listener to ‘there and then’, with an element of Jazzy rap that makes this track ever so sensual. KNOE’s desire is for us “to feel the music.” 

The immediate resonance with this tune is undeniable, and glancing back at that summer love we once had is hard to avoid. KNOE manages to accurately depict what a summer love feels like – “An overwhelming sense of desperation, a hope that something will spark an opportunity and live in this dream forever. Hanging on the thread of hope is dangerous and addictive and desperation makes you do silly things.”

Inspiration for the track goes back to his times in NYC, more specifically in, of course, Manhattan. KNOE holds our hand and takes us for a walk through a romantic period full of lust and desire, while drawing a parallel between falling head over heels for someone and for a temperamental scene like Manhattan. “In reminiscence of that summer, I noticed a crazy similarity between the way I felt for a woman and the way I felt for the city.” The independent artist works alongside Paloma again, to bring those hot late evenings in the city to life.   

With this new release, KNOE keeps showing what a prolific character he has, dropping a new gem after the release of his EP ‘Reasons’ in 2019 and latest single ‘Down’. His unique style has brought together a loyal audience that keeps growing with every beat.

 

Kazi A Comes To Peace With His Evolutionary ‘Trappelation’ Album

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Fresh off releasing his trail blazing single ‘Afterlife,’ Sydney MC Kazi A takes his music to a new dimension with the release of his new trap filled album ‘Trappelation’.

Dropping a record that makes all the promises as the breakthrough joint he’s been working towards, ’Trapellation’ sees versatility with Kazi. Pushing the boundaries of hip hop and showcasing that he’s a rapper with no limits.

On the album, Kazi highlights that he’s not just another rapper that can be put into a box. The artist goes on to say that the two things in the hip hop music industry that frustrates him as an artist the most is that you have to be branded as the type of rap you do.

“What I do in ‘Trapellation’ is express one that as a human we are allowed to express any emotions you feel out whether negative or positive through the platform that is given to us. Therefore I’ve got tracks of pure anger against people, I’ve got tracks of revolution, and then I’ve got tracks of positive music as well, my mental peace is more important than peoples perception of the category I should be boxed in,”

Fuelled with a bouncing trap beats taking his sound to the next level, the album features producers They are Randy, Zherish 26th letter, Willow the Apak, Kazi Beats, King Ali and Anno Domino.