Category: Roundhouse Features

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Blog Roundhouse Features

LIFEOFTHOM shares soulful new single “EZEKIEL”

By Jacob Ezra

New York artist LIFEOFTHOM has shared a new single called “EZEKIEL”, featuring AKAI SOLO, Ania Hoo, and JamesBurns. The genre-bending musician always brings something new and refreshing to the table with each release- flirting with hip-hop, R&B, indie, and more across his burgeoning discography. His latest song, “EZEKIEL”, is an emotive take on soulful New York sounds, with stirring, emotive samples underscoring his vivid verses. 

Atop warm, uplifting vocal samples, elegant keys, and engaging bass, LIFEOFTHOM flows in a cathartic, focused manner, while demonstrating a natural chemistry with fellow New York emcee AKAI SOLO. The pair come through with poetic, imagery rich verses that merge together seamlessly, painting a clear picture of their life and times in the process.

Give LIFEOFTHOM’s latest single “EZEKIEL” a listen below.

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Funky DL releases ‘A Vintage Soulful Boom Bap Christmas’

By Hazel Clementine

Tis’ the season to be filled with cozy head-nodding christmas joints by the legendary producer and beat maker himself, Funky DL. Hailing from East London, Funky DL has worked with countless musicians such as teaming up with legendary Japanese producer Nujabes. Not only can Funky DL make fire beats- but he can also rap. Some amazing albums you should check out, where he not only makes the beats but also shows his lyricism skills are: ‘Funky DL – The Ultimate Collection’, Blackcurrent Jazz Instrumentals and an instrumental album titled ‘Nights In Nippon’.

Aside from his older projects, this new album is warm, cozy and full of holiday cheer. Funky DL wanted this album to be more about the music and emotions connected to Christmas instead of the materialistic meanings that a lot of people care about during the holiday season.

Funky DL successfully managed to turn classic Christmas music into joyous, soulful and memorable beats that you can play and enjoy with family, friends and loved ones. To listen to this album, check it out on YouTube as he has special visuals for this album! Or you can jam to this on Bandcamp, Spotify and Apple Music.

Support Funky DL directly on his Bandcamp HERE.

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Smoke DZA and Flying Lotus release astronomical EP ‘Flying Objects’

By Hazel Clementine

When you pair mind-expanding production with potent, rich lyricism what are you bound to get? Smoke DZA and Flying Lotus‘ collaboration EP ‘Flying Objects’. With this being Flying Lotus’ first release since 2021, he’s sure made himself a comeback after two years, with an electrifying new project that tantalizes with each track alongside DZA. This EP seems to echo elements of some of his throwback collaborative work, in particular his Declaime joint EP ‘Whole Wide World’.

‘Flying Objects’ contains a few EP features such as Conway The Machine, Black Thought and Estelle- with each track organically echoing the afrofuturistic spacey beats that are Flying Lotus’s signature sound. The track “Painted Houses” truly delivers, as the rhythmic flows of Smoke DZA and Conway the Machine gave us those underground grimey, raw sonics. Smoke DZA shines on track “Harlem World 97” giving an old school 00’s hip hop type of vibe while Estelle sings the chorus so beautifully to the melody of the song. Check out this dazzling, spacey new EP below now.

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Ta-ku releases dreamy new album ‘Songs To Come Home To’

By Hazel Clementine

Beautiful notes of spoken word, slow jams with sultry and soulful voices- these are all the hallmarks of Ta-ku‘s latest record Songs To Come Home To. The first two projects he released as part of his ‘Songs To’ series were engaging, vibrant beat tapes- whereas ‘Songs To Come Home To’ is a infectious R&B album with more vocals included alongside eloquent lyrics. Some of the standout songs on Songs To Come Home To ranged from upbeat and fun, to passionate and romantic, interwoven with eclectic songwriting that makes them all the more memorable.

The best upbeat tracks were ‘HARD2SAY’ and ‘HOPES & DREAMS’. Listening to these electrifying tracks made you want to dance and made you want to have the best time of your life. They’re stylistically similar to throwback SOULECTION future R&B sounding songs that are upbeat but still very groovy. More of the downtempo tracks like ‘SMILE’, ‘KNOW ME’ and ‘THINKING OF YOU’ cascades warm, stirring emotions across detailed instrumentation. It’s ‘HARD2SAY’ which tracks were our favorites because they were beautiful and likeable in every way. Songs To Come Home To makes you do just that while you listen- you yearn for that special someone to come home to.

Go to Ta-ku’s Bandcamp to support directly HERE.

Give Songs To Come Home To a listen here now.

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Pat Clifton and The Nolias unleash new song “Blood Moon”

By Mark Generous

Pat Clifton and The Nolias– an electrifying alternative band, have once again pushed the boundaries of their genre with their latest release, “Blood Moon.” This track is an intoxicating journey into the depths of temptation and desire, painted with a dark, seductive allure that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

Featuring a sultry bass-line, raw guitars that unleash passion, and tantalizing drums that set the rhythm of your heartbeat, “Blood Moon” is a mesmerizing musical experience. The sultry vocals of Magnolia Pearson and Pat Clifton entwine in a passionate dance that captures the raw and untamed nature of desire. With their innovative approach to songwriting and production, Pat Clifton and The Nolias continue to captivate audiences, solidifying their position as one of this generation’s most exciting and influential bands. “Blood Moon” is the epitome of their creative energy, a testament to their fearless exploration of irresistible attractions that resonate with listeners on a profound level.

Listen to “Blood Moon” here now:

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Malaki releases emotive single “Most Days”

By Mark Generous

Emerging as a formidable voice in the music scene is Malaki– one of Ireland’s most promising young artists. With his latest release “Most Days”, he delves deep into the complexities of human struggles with an emotive track that shines with vibrancy.

This track serves as a poignant exploration of our negative addictions and destructive habits, challenging the facade of external appearances that often mask inner turmoil. In a lyrical masterpiece, Malaki not only reflects on the personal toll of these addictions but also delves into the broader impact they have on the world around us.

Hailing from Ireland, Malaki has already garnered early acclaim from BBC Radio One’s Jack Saunders, BBC ATL Introducing, BBC 5 Live, and RTE 2FM, establishing himself as a noteworthy talent. Unafraid to share his vulnerable side, Malaki’s music seamlessly weaves personal expression with sharp social and political commentary, creating waves not only in his homeland but also across the UK. As he prepares to release ‘Most Days’ on October 18th, Malaki’s presence is set to resonate far beyond his upcoming performances at Other Voices in Wales and subsequent shows in London and Belfast, marking him as an artist to watch and a compelling storyteller in today’s musical landscape.

Listen to “Most Days” here:

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Apropos drops energizing single “Say Yes” (prod. Jake Bass)

Detroit artist Apropos has released “Say Yes”, a new single produced by Jake Bass. The song acts as the opening chapter of The Apropos Edition, a “deconstructed EP” that will feature four new tracks released over the next four seasons: autumn, winter, spring, summer. Say Yes is the first new release created entirely by the duo since the singer songwriter signed to Bass’ label Bassment Sounds 2.0 in 2023.

“Say Yes” contains energizing instrumentation that builds dynamically, centred around raw electric guitars contrasted by lighter acoustic strumming, punchy, textural percussion, and rich bass. Apropos shines as a vocalist with stylish, powerful vocals that convey a certain natural swagger. With an expansive chorus laced with gospel undertones, “Say Yes” is a vibrant tour-de-force of a track that captivates from the get-go.

Apropos is an international recording artist whose electric vocals and captivating stage presence have led to recognition from around the globe, including NBC’s The Voice, Pitchfork, Complex, NPR and Billboard. The veritable vocalist has collaborated with a variety of notable artists, including Grammy nominated composer & multi-instrumentalist Dave Wilder, Talib Kweli, ZelooperZ and more. Jake Bass is one of the individuals re-defining Detroit Music. Born into the trade, Jake Bass officially joined the “family business” working for FBT Productions in 2004 cutting his teeth in music production working alongside Father and Uncle, respectively, Jeff and Mark Bass best known as the Bass Brothers, who brought the world the groundbreaking work of Eminem. Graduating from Columbia College Chicago in 2012 with a Music Composition degree, Jake is no stranger to the mechanics of music.

Take a listen to Apropros and Jake Bass’ latest song “Say Yes” now:

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Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon releases long-awaited music video for “NAH SHE GOT LITTLE”

By Hazel Clementine

“NAH SHE GOT LITTLE” is just one of many highlight tracks on Charlotte-bred, Brooklyn-based artist Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s vibrant album I’ve Really Never Been Better. The album title truly speaks for itself- as it is is lyrically, visually and artistically his best work thus far. Following the visuals for “ANGELA BASSET” and “SHE GOT THAT DAWG IN HER”, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s third music video from I’ve Really Never Been Better is unlike any other visuals from his album. From the dazzling, chilled tints and shades of blue lights beaming on his melanin skin against his crisp white shirt- the video somehow made his appearance emulate an expressionism portrait painting. Being the one and only role in his music video, Ogbon wanted all eyes on him as he successfully managed to orchestrate as he states “……the growing divide between his predecessors, former lovers and peers”.

The expansion of Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s artistic growth and development is unmatched. He never disregards the importance of implementing creativity and innovation into his work- whether it’s visually, lyrically or sonically. View Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon’s music video for “NAH SHE GOT LITTLE”, produced by Dirty Art Club, below and if you haven’t already be sure to listen to I’ve Really Never Been Better on Bandcamp HERE (where you can support Ogbon DIRECTLY!!) and on all streaming platforms.

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RU$H and Mike Shabb’s “Moncler Boyz” (ft. Tha God Fahim, Big Cheeko, and Jay NiCE) is our track of the week

By Jacob Ezra

Prolific emcee RU$H and Montreal standout rapper-producer Mike Shabb recently shared their collaborative project MONCLER BOYZ, a stylish, sonically rich project containing potent, detailed lyricism and warm, evocative production. The title track, “Moncler Boyz”, featuring underground heavyweights Tha God Fahim, Big Cheeko, and Jay NiCE, caught our attention for its silvery, laid-back instrumentation and memorable vocals that demonstrate a natural chemistry between the emcees.

Underscored by graceful keys and emotive backing vocals, the track takes on a reminiscent mood, as the rappers glide atop the sleek joint with ease. Focused, vividly detailed verses flow together seamlessly, laced with memorable lines that have the listener rewinding to catch everything. Shabb’s glowing, minimalistic production manages to evoke rich feelings of nostalgia while also providing the perfect backdrop for the rappers’ charismatic, braggadocios lines in the process.

Give “Moncler Boyz” a listen now below, a track off RU$H and Mike Shabb’s potent recent project of the same title.

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LOS KEMET shares soulful ‘Starrunner’ project

By Jacob Ezra

LOS KEMET has dropped off a fresh project, titled Starrunner. LOS KEMET is an artist originally from the deep southern city of Jackson, Mississippi, who has resided in various big cities like Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta, and now Austin, Texas. The variety of styles he provides across his discography are a clear depiction of where he has resided- and he chooses to dub his sound “New Soul” or “Seeds Of The South”. LOS’ latest project, Starrunner, conjures a warm feeling of nostalgia with a series of soulful, quintessentially southern hip-hop tracks that bristle with a laid-back yet vital energy.

Starrunner opens with the stylish, relaxed “Jules Winnfield”, which begins the project with a sense of triumph- laced within expansive vocal samples, sturdy percussion, and confident flows from LOS. Lead single “Barter 7” is an infectious, refreshing take on classic southern sounds, while “Die Tonight” presents a highlight at the end of the project with wistful vocal samples, potent percussion, and catchy, relaxed vocals from LOS. He sounds assured atop the drill-influenced production, while both reminiscing and looking towards a bright future.

Give LOS KEMET’s latest project, Starrunner, a listen below now.