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Reggae

Thalia Jailene spun emotion into rhythmic gold with her standout single, Sueñitos

Posted on 9 December 2024

Thalia Jailene’s latest single, Sueñitos, weaves hypnotic rhythms straight into the soul. From the opening notes, choppy staccato reggae guitars tease the senses, making way for warm flamenco licks that unravel through the vibrant sonic fabric. Thalia’s smooth, serotonin-laced vocals glide effortlessly over the textured layers, delivering an exotic and arcane soundscape that feels as seraphic as it is unique.

The Latina singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and music educator, now based in North Carolina, demonstrates her ability to blend her eclectic influences—from Paramore and No Doubt to Amy Winehouse and Bob Marley—into a sound that transcends genres. Her self-described “music alchemy” transforms raw emotions into an intoxicating mix of pop, rock, and reggae, with Sueñitos embodying her commitment to organic euphoria while the rest of her discography attests to how she never shies away from darker themes.

Hi play and prepare for full immersion as your senses are flooded with colour.

Sueñitos is available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Adline Owens is leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination in her Afro-Fusion release, T•R•T (The Right Time)

Posted on 6 December 2024
Adline Owens

With a gravitational force that could knock the solar system out of orbit, it would be insulting to mark Adline Owen as merely just an icon; she’s a fusionist phenomenon in her own right, leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination with her latest release, T•R•T (The Right Time).

The two-track release synthesises her diverse cultural and musical influences into a compelling narrative of empowerment and self-discovery, marked by Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggaeton, RnB and Afro-Soul motifs.

The opening track, ‘In Yeah’ evocatively explores relationship dynamics, considering how ‘good enough’ should never be enough if you know your worth and urging listeners to recognise their own value through its Afro-Soul vocals and the energetic pulse of dancehall. When it comes to pairing introspection with infectious beats, Owens reigns supreme.

The second single, ‘Dem Wah Know,’ turns up the heat with its Reggaeton rhythms and bold, assertive vocals that command attention. Owens’ fierce delivery and the track’s vibrant energy make it an anthem of self-assurance and resilience, encapsulating her refusal to be confined by her roots or her haters’ expectations.

With T•R•T, Adline Owens not only cements her status as a dynamic fusion artist but also as a visionary capable of weaving her diverse musical heritage into a fresh, invigorating sound that resonates well beyond its Afro-Soul roots.

Adline Owens Said

“T•R•T is a project that holds great personal significance for me, showcasing my range across Afrobeats, Dancehall, and R&B, which underlines my identity as a fusion artist.

Track 1, ‘In Yeah’, explores the love and understanding shared in a relationship that still leaves you wanting more effort. This track vocalises the need for personal growth and the tough decisions you must sometimes make for your sanity. It portrays the protagonist’s struggle with a partner who lacks ambition and motivation—essentially a dead weight needing to be let go.

Track 2, Dem Wah Know, I wrote while reflecting on obstacles and my journey as an artist. It focuses on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of stepping up despite the odds being stacked against you. It’s an empowering anthem and a reminder not to let haters dictate your success.”

Follow Adline Owens on Instagram and discover her discography on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ARCTISKY countered divisive propaganda with his latest slice of reggae folk pop gospel,  Let Freedom Ring

Posted on 9 August 2024

By using MLK’s famous speech which shares a vision for an egalitarian future in the intro to his latest single, Let Freedom Ring, the Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, ARCTISKY, affirmed that almost 80 years have passed since the revolutionary called for peace and equality, yet, tragically, his dream is yet to manifest.

The sublimely uplifting folk-tinged reggae rhythms counter the divisive propaganda perpetuated by the media which is playing a pivotal role in increasing hostility as ARCTISKY’s arcanely honeyed harmonies become conduits of compassion within the gospel-esque atmosphere of the cultivated single which paralyses through the purity within the crescendos.

Let Freedom Ring is an opportunity to slip into the sanctity of a conflict-free society, a reminder that we can’t stand idly by and hope that a resistance rectifies the pervasive prejudices that are destroying societies and making enemies of the innocent. The call to action which sets a tone of historical reflection and aspiration couldn’t hit closer to the bone.

Let Freedom Ring will be available to stream on all major platforms from August 9th. Find your preferred way to listen on ARCTISKY’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Samana Rising is radiantly irreplicable in their summer soul-rock anthem, Sunshine

Posted on 30 June 2024

Samana Rising’s summer soul-rock anthem, Sunshine, is a radiant declaration of musical vitality and versatility. This first release since their debut album in 2020 confirms that the Norwegian band hasn’t just been biding time. Between life’s milestones and global upheavals, they’ve refined a sound that shines and erupts with irreplicable radiance.

Recorded at ArtBeat Studio in Bryne, with the adept Bjørn Erik Sørensen at the production helm, Sunshine marries an instantly memorable guitar intro with a reggae-inspired rhythm that’s irresistibly danceable. This track is engineered to lift spirits and coax listeners from the mundane to the magical. Mastered with precision in Nashville by Alex McCollough, every note is crafted to perfection, capturing the essence of pop rock while promising more than typical chart-toppers.

Hanne Sivertsen’s vocals could light up any room, soul or playlist; the immense power in the delivery, paired with the charismatically magnetic proclivity, ensures that this latest sonic triumph resounds with maximum euphoric impact.

Lyrically, Sunshine presents an opportunity to celebrate the people who light up your world as much as solar rays; wherever you play it, you won’t be able to resist its demand to be played LOUD.

Sunshine was officially released on June 21; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jeffrey A. Meyer became the superlative savant of soul with his reggae-rock hit, L.O.V.E., featuring G. Love & Special Sauce

Posted on 11 June 2024

By merging talents with G. Love & Special Sauce, best known for his single, Rainbow, created in collaboration with the soulful one and only, Jack Johnson, the accomplished fusionist, Jeffrey A. Meyer, orchestrated the ultimate source of sonic serotonin with his funk-spliced, pop-hooked and reggae-wrapped roots rock hit, L.O.V.E.

The vibe-heavy sun-bleached hit keeps you ensnared with every chameleonic shift as Jeffrey A. Meyer exhibits his dynamic vocal talent and delivers everything from funked-up soul to evidence of his command over rhythm in the revved-up with rapture rap verses.

The North Dakota-born, Cali-based artist’s creative ambition with L.O.V.E paid off in spades; you can’t help but catch the self-love fever and forge a spiritual connection to the euphonically rugged in all the right places single that proves you’re never outside of love if you project adulation inwards.

Between the wind in the harmonica blows, the staccato rhythms pulsing through vintage tubes and the delicious grooves, L.O.V.E is as authentic as euphoric earworms come; each instrumental vividly paints the radiance of the track’s emotional underpinnings.

With more fresh, feel-good, funky jams ready to drop through Jeffrey A. Meyer’s sophomore album in 2024, there has never been a better time to affix the orchestrator of tonal transcendence to your radar.

L.O.V.E. was officially released on May 24; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tuto Tribe – Magnetize: A Samba Reggae Pop Symphony of Serotonin

Posted on 22 March 2024

Southampton’s Tuto Tribe, a five-piece, multi-national samba rock band, has crafted a stunning symphony of serotonin with their latest single, ‘Magnetize’. The samba reggae-pop song, the band’s first foray into English lyricism music, is a masterclass in blending world music with pop sensibilities.

The band, born in 2022 and led by the effervescent Brazilian, Tuto, draws from a diverse palette of influences, including Jorge Ben, The Doors, and Manu Chao. Their sound is a modern, bright Brazilian-inspired concoction, with catchy hooks and rhythms influenced by samba, rock, Jamaican music, and jazz.

The reggae rhythms in ‘Magnetize’ wrap around the pop hooks seamlessly, while the vocals, sincere and soulful, spill love and light by the smorgasbord. The single showcases Tuto Tribe’s infectiously sunny disposition, burning as bright as a supernova, refreshing your lust for life and highlighting the beauty within sexual connections. With ‘Magnetize’ as a playlist staple, slipping into a feel-good groove becomes effortless.

Every instrumental element in the arrangement breeds an atmosphere of organic euphoria. The horn stabs, intricately eclectic guitars, and jazzy percussive fills create the perfect platform for the impassioned soul in the vocals to breathe through.

Lyrically, ‘Magnetize’ is a lesson in musical purity, as pure as the act of making love itself. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to create a sound that is both unique and universally appealing; it is a holiday you never realised you were going on.

Magnetize was officially released on March 22nd; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nuka-Naka – Stone D: A Soul-Stirring Fusion of Avant-Garde Reggae and Reflection

Posted on 1 January 2024

Nuka-Naka’s latest single, Stone D, is a profound musical journey that transcends the conventional boundaries of reggae. As Nuka-Naka steps away from the shadows of war-torn Russia, Stone D emerges as a hauntingly beautiful confession, a blend of personal history and musical innovation.

The song reimagines reggae, intertwining staccato rhythms with melancholically avant-garde melodies. It’s a bold departure from reggae roots, inviting listeners to cast aside their preconceptions and embrace a new realm of musical expression. After leaving Russia for Georgia, Nuka-Naka composed a guilt-ridden soliloquy that speaks to the inescapable ties of one’s homeland, regardless of the physical distance.

The song captures the essence of being perpetually connected to a war that continues to echo in a mournful psyche as the fusion of soulful blues and dreamy art-rock elements meld into this candid piece creating a sonic signature that is as evocative as it is ground-breaking.

Nuka-Naka’s Stone D is a reminder of the power of music to transcend barriers and speak to the soul. It’s a track that not only showcases Nuka-Naka’s immense talent but also promises a future rich with innovative and emotionally resonant music. For those seeking a fresh, soul-stirring sound, Stone D is a beacon of hope and artistic brilliance.

Stone D was officially released on December 22. Stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

You will want Doller on speed dial after feeling the heat of the fusionist fire in his EP, Call Me

Posted on 14 November 2023

On November 3rd, UK’s fieriest genre fusionist Doller dropped his dynamic three-track EP, Call Me, to prove he’s lost none of the flair, flow, or finesse that has seen his audience stretch across the globe during his storming 15-year music career.

After track one unravels as an infectiously hooked garage hip-hop anthem, which efficaciously gets you in the groove and hot under the collar, Doller dips into a pseudo-trap iteration of dancehall before bringing in a smooth and steamy session of trap-soul. Achieving that feat of sonic eclecticism with three separate tracks would be one thing, but Doller exhibited his superlative versatility by reworking the same track while ensuring that each track stands by the volition of its own merit.

From the luxe high vibes that reverberate around the rhythmically arresting first single, which features MC Neat and Zara W, to the scintillating atmosphere in track two to the wavy, dreamy tonal hues within track three, which pays an intimate ode to intimacy with a little help from Aleisha Lee and Terry Trill, there’s something for everyone in the Call Me EP, which has established Doller as the baller of originality.

Before the release of Call Me, the Edmonton-originating artist who was born the roots reggae icon Kush Tafari and shares blood with the Jamaican rapper Flash earned endorsements from the likes of Ghetts, Tion Wayne, DJ Target, Charlie Sloth, Sian Anderson, Sir Spyro, Wiley, and Logan Sama. His music has also been synced into an MTV Base advert and the critically acclaimed film Sket. Over the years, he’s flitted between rap, dancehall, and trap-soul as his musical influences diversified. If one thing has remained a constant, it is the renown that has stemmed from his versatile style and impressive lyrical prowess. While some artists out there gas themselves up as a triple threat, Doller is asserting himself as the ultimate threat and one to watch throughout 2024.

Stream the Call Me EP on Spotify & SoundCloud.

Follow Doller on Facebook & Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gee Beanie spoke in fluent ‘Body Language’ in his Reggaetronic debut single.

Posted on 2 September 2023

The pan-African singer-songwriter Gee Beanie sent the sensuality in the EDM genre through the roof with his cultural tapestry of a Reggaetronic debut single, Body Language, which dropped on August 25.

With his soulfully smooth vocal lines adding a sultry veneer over kicking and vibrant house-meets-afro-pop beats that bolster the intricate indie staccato melodies, Body Language is intoxicating and arrests the rhythmic pulses as well as a track with such a title should.

His ability to infuse his laid-back attitude into an exhilarating yet intimately enticing production that could enliven any dancefloor is sure to seal his successful fate in the industry.

It isn’t every day that an artist who can revolutionise a genre comes around. Save a spot on your radar for the pioneering song crafter; we have no doubts that even bigger beats are in the pipeline, especially with the promise of his debut LP, Be My Alibi?, which will be released in Spring 2024.

Stream Body Language on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A Captivating Blend of Reggae and Dance Pop: Bom-C’s “Lonely”

Posted on 28 May 2023

Bom-C ‘s latest track, “Lonely,” offers a refreshing take on contemporary music with its fusion of modern reggae and dance afro-pop elements. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melodies immediately captivate listeners, inviting them to embark on a musical journey that seamlessly blends genres. With its introspective lyrics and skilful production, “Lonely” leaves a lasting impression.

From the moment the song begins, Bom C’s smooth and soulful vocals take centre stage. His voice effortlessly glides over the reggae-inspired beats, infusing each line with emotion and depth. The verses paint a poignant picture of longing and isolation, while the chorus erupts with a sense of liberation and empowerment. This emotional contrast adds layers of complexity to the track, making it resonate on a profound level.

Bom C’s artistry extends beyond his music, as reflected in his active presence on various social media platforms. His TikTok account (@bomchdofficial) allows fans to engage with his content through captivating videos, while his Facebook page (BomCHD) serves as a hub for updates and discussions. Instagram (@bomchd) and Twitter (@BomCHD) offer glimpses into his personal life and artistic process. Moreover, his YouTube channel (BomCHD) showcases his music videos and live performances, further enriching the listening experience.

In an era where connectivity and accessibility are paramount, Bom C’s comprehensive social media presence enables him to establish a direct connection with his audience. Fans can easily explore his music, delve into his creative world, and stay up-to-date with his latest releases and events.

“Lonely” by Bom C is a testament to the artist’s versatility and talent. With its genre-blending approach and introspective lyrics, the song transcends boundaries and leaves an indelible mark. Supported by his active engagement on social media, Bom C ensures that his listeners can fully immerse themselves in his musical universe, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Overall, “Lonely” is a must-listen track that showcases Bom C’s ability to infuse diverse musical styles with heartfelt storytelling. As he continues to evolve and experiment with his sound, it will be exciting to witness the growth and impact of this talented artist.