VIDEO PREMIERE: Kadija Kamara – ‘Running In The Name Of The Game’

Sun, sea and shimmering sequin trousers, alt-soul artist Kadija Kamara has shared her video for single ‘Running In The Name Of The Game’ and the visuals are as warm and vibrant as the track itself. Taken from her EP Nothing Left To Lose released earlier this year, Kadija’s positivity and strength shine through in her work, and this latest offering is no exception.

Following on from previous single ‘Eyes On You’, Kadija explains the ethos behind the visuals for ‘Running In The Name Of The Game’: “It reflects my reality of playing the game in life/the rat race. I would say that this song is my daily motivation. I listen to it to pick myself up and keep going. I hope others can play this when they need a boost too. It’s really about not giving up”.

To date, Kadija’s accomplishments include winning the MTV Iggy Artist Of The Week poll (voted for by readers) and being awarded funding for her Artist Development Programme by PRS. She’s collaborated with Joey Negro, Zed Bias and sang backing vocals for Zara McFarlane on Later With Jools Holland.

As well as focusing on her own solo career, Kadija curates LADY LIVE events at The Finsbury Pub alongside house promoters Lost In The Manor. The night focuses on showcasing female musical talent. She hosted her first LADY Festival at Pop Brixton in October last year too, proving she’s dedicated to pushing girls to the front when it comes to the underground and commercial music scenes.

Check out the video for ‘Running In The Name Of The Game’ below and follow Kadija on Facebook for more updates.

Listen to Kadija’s Nothing Left To Lose EP on Spotify.

Kadija Kamara Live Dates
21st July – Tramlines Festival – Sheffield
24th July – LADY vs Lost In Manor – (Residency) The Finsbury, London

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Video Premiere: MALMØ – ‘River Of The Heart’

Having just released their debut album, Danish artist Maria Malmø and her band – aka MALMØ – have now shared another captivating offering in the form of a video of an exclusive live performance of album track ‘River Of The Heart’.

Shot by a frozen lakeside at Nordklang Festival (a contrast to the sweltering heatwave we’re currently experiencing in London!), it showcases MALMØ’s vocals at their most refined. As her stunning, soulful acapella vocals soar with a majestic grace, ‘River Of The Heart’ oozes an exquisite, stirring beauty that’ll send shivers down the spine in an instant. With its sweeping ethereal splendour, it’s sure to captivate the ears with its resplendent, other-worldly magic.

We Come From The Stars, the debut album from MALMØ, is out now via Integrity Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Martin Baltser

 

Track Of The Day: Austel – ‘Anaesthesia’

Austel (aka Devon-born, London-based artist Annie Rew Shaw) unveils her third instalment in the trilogy of singles co-written and produced by music technologist Adam Stark. Austel’s sound is seductive and melancholic electronica, delicately crafted and produced, with her gentle vocals providing a guiding light.

‘Anaesthesia’ is an intimate, soul-baring song exploring themes  of mental health, self-induced isolation  and a struggle to connect.

The song opens with a gentle rhythm like the sound of raindrops falling and a choral effect behind the lyrics “Take the needle out of my skin… Anaesthesia won’t do the job.” The sound then gently fills out with sparkling synths; not a battle cry, but something more enlightening, as the song breathes to life around the lyric, bringing a light and airy feel, lifting the mood of the track in the middle of the song (“I’m not at all.. I’m gone”). The emotion the song expresses may be bleak, yet the voice and arrangements transform it into a spirited bid for freedom, bringing hope and a comforting shoulder to your sadness. Listen, and feel connected.   

 

The forthcoming debut EP Unfold contains five songs that explore the pains of leaving safe harbours, seeking out the unknown; and I, for one, want to sail on the good ship Austel this summer.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

 

Track Of The Day: Lotic – ‘Solace’

Fearless bitches unite! Houston-born, Berlin-based artist Lotic has shared their new single ‘Solace’, and it’s a potent reminder to be true to yourself. The track is taken from Lotic’s upcoming debut album Power, set to be released on 13th July via Tri-Angle Records.

“‘Solace’ is my reminder to myself that no matter how hard things get, trouble don’t last always! Hang in there, it’s gon’ be ok!,” Lotic explains. “It’s my self-reminder that I actually am a fearlesss bitch and that experiencing pain or hardship is not a weakness but a moment for growth, for strength.”

Influenced by electronic pioneers such as Bjork and the underground culture of the Berlin night life they’ve immersed themselves in, Lotic’s music is fierce, meaningful and drips with passion and desire.

Listen to ‘Solace’ below and follow Lotic on Facebook for more updates.

Listen to ‘Solace’ on Spotify.

Photo credit: Matt Lambert

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut