ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC

By Jacob Ezra

London rapper Joe James has shared a new EP called Pure Connery. A warm, reflective set of songs containing elegant production and introspective lyricism, Pure Connery‘s laid-back, somewhat surreal sound is captivating. The expansive opener “Bit Of Taste” sets the tone of the project nicely, introducing balmy, wistful strings that set a strong foundation for James’ easygoing yet confident delivery. This song segues into “A Painting”, a project highlight that pairs smoky horns with organic sounding, textured percussion to create a hypnotizing, nocturnal soundscape. Another EP highlight appears in “London Tipton”, a regal track containing sturdy, raw production and dexterous flows from James. A strong project overall, Pure Connery showcases the London artist’s sharp ear for memorable production and his admirable willingness to be personal.

Listen to Pure Connery now:

By Jacob Ezra

Manchester hip-hop production team and live band The Mouse Outfit have shared a new song called “Chillout Vibes 4”, produced by central members Chini and Metrodome. A beautifully atmospheric offering, “Chillout Vibes 4” pairs dry, organic-sounding percussion with swelling, airy synths to create a mystical soundscape. Adding subtle keys and warm bass to the mix, the song deeply immerses the listener in its otherworldly atmosphere. A refreshing track that caught our attention for its spacey, laid-back sound, “Chillout Vibes 4” will surely be in our rotation for the foreseeable future.

Listen to “Chillout Vibes 4” now:

By Todd Anderson

Leeds producer Mikey B has teamed up with Leicester singer Shanesa for the release “Times Up (Remix)”. Here, a vibrant, focused garage instrumental from Mikey B provides a colourful soundscape for Shanesa’s smooth, warm vocals, as she comes through with some evocative melodies. With lively production that keeps the listener glued to the speakers throughout, “Times Up (Remix)” provides an invigorating listening experience.

Listen to “Times Up (Remix)” here:

By Jacob Ezra

North London artist Subten‘s banger “Mic Check”, assisted by Double S, Brook Baili, and D:Tune, caught our attention recently for its addictive grooves and smooth, assured vocal performances. An infectious, invigorating garage cut, “Mic Check”‘s instrumental is filled with vital energy, providing a solid foundation for the track’s sharply-crafted chorus and fast-paced verses. This is a release that is easy to groove to, and provides heavy replay value as well with its bouncy production and focused vocals.

Listen to “Mic Check” here:

By Jacob Ezra

Western Massachusetts musician DK has come through with a fresh new single called “Second Place”. The largely self-produced artist, who has consistently provided a personal, idiosyncratic sound, shows no signs of slowing down with his latest release. Here, an upbeat, organic-sounding instrumental creates a mysterious mood, as airy guitars float overtop of bouncy, soft percussion. DK comes through with some sharply-crafted melodic vocals that had us hooked from the get-go, pairing smoothly with the wistful instrumental.

Listen to “Second Place” now:

By PJ Ouellet

Kaylee Ameri kicks off the new year with a lively release in “Sundown”. The FIVEGAWD and VDRIAN-assisted track effortlessly blends spacey melodic breaks with a bouncy, dancehall-inspired drumline, setting the stage for a dynamic performance from the New Jersey songstress. Upbeat yet calming, and full of replay value, “Sundown” is a captivating offering, immersing the listener from the first instance of Ameri’s dreamy vocals. 

Watch the video for “Sundown” here:

By Damilola Grey

Argota has dropped his first single of the year titled “HTTA” (Harder to Talk About). The 3-minute track talks about the difficulty someone faces when dealing with their family’s toxic habits while seeing those habits damage their quality of life. The person is apparently a victim of love, and burdens of the heart, and is out of touch with reality. He has no other option than to drown out, because he’s been locked in the prison of his mind and has no escape. He has found it hard to talk about the way he has been living stuck in old habits. The production, as well as Argota’s heavenly vocals immerse listeners in a trance-like state where they get to experience the picture Argota was trying to paint with the track. When I asked Argota what “HTTA” meant to him, he told me that “HTTA” is his personal pep talk when he catches himself carrying unnecessary weight due to being an emotional person. As he put simply, “it means letting go and focusing on yourself”. “HTTA” is honestly an amazing, introspective track. Make sure to give it a listen here:

By Jacob Ezra

Brighton, UK rapper Hatter has shared a new single called “Dry Jan (Vossy x Hersheys)”. The prolific artist makes a strong return here, providing a refreshing, immersive mood that had us hooked from the get-go. The instrumental for “Dry Jan (Vossy x Hersheys)” is airy and intriguing, containing mercurial guitars and watery keys that blend together in a graceful fashion. Underscored by driving 808s and bouncy percussion, this song is reflective yet also energizing. The latest from the talented UK artist, it is likely we will witness an exciting year for him in 2022.

Listen to “Dry Jan (Vossy x Hersheys)” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Detroit artists Aztek the Barfly and Valid have returned with a new banger titled “Zima”. Featuring powerful, commanding verses packed with dense wordplay, and a heart-pumping, rugged instrumental, “Zima” is a cut that provides heavy replay value. An intense, imposing pump-up track, this song pairs raw, bar-heavy raps with exciting production to create an enthralling soundscape overall. Furthermore, the artists share a natural chemistry that had us glued to the speakers throughout, causing the elements of the track to meld together with ease.

Listen to “Zima” now:

By Jacob Ezra

Multi-talented rapper and poet Myles Bullen has shared a new single called “* Ordinary Magic *”, featuring underground legend billy woods. With intricate, beautifully evocative lyricism underscored by wistful instrumentation, this track inspires one to dive deep into introspection. The beat for “* Ordinary Magic *” primarily consists of airy, warm guitars that drift overtop of crisp percussion, creating a balmy mood that immerses the listener in its atmospherics. Moreover, Bullen and woods deliver some sublimely poetic verses that refresh the listener with their personal nature. A pensive, dream-like cut, “* Ordinary Magic *” is an emotionally layered offering that beckons some re-listens to unpack.

Listen to “* Ordinary Magic *” now: