Track Of The Day: Tolü Makay – ‘Don’t Let Go’

An understated, beautifully soothing listen that encourages listeners to embrace hope, Tolü Makay has shared her latest single ‘Don’t Let Go’. The Nigerian-born, Ireland-based artist gently reassures her listeners to let go of their fears through her smooth vocals, tender lyricism and jazz inspired instrumentation.

Inspired by the likes of Erykah Badu, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Asa and Labrinth, Makay first realised her talent for singing in church, and it’s a talent that continued to blossom as she embraced writing songs for herself. ‘Don’t Let Go’ sees her practising self compassion whilst navigating her “emotional transition from fear to hope.”

The track’s accompanying video was shot and directed by Fiona-Louise Ntidendereza on 16mm film, and shows Makay during some of her most relaxed moments. The visuals reflect Makay’s message of empowerment and self belief, providing a warm and bright insight in to the sounds on her forthcoming debut album.

Listen to ‘Don’t Let Go’ below and follow Tolü Makay on Spotify, Facebook and bandcamp

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: MOURN – ‘This Feeling Is Disgusting’

A bright burst of guitar noise to counteract feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, Barcelona trio MOURN have shared their latest single ‘This Feeling Is Disgusting’. Lifted from their upcoming album Self Worth, which is set for release on 30th October via Captured Tracks, the song is an energetic effort to reclaim some kind of confidence when thinking about the future.

“The song is really about…being anxious about what’s going to happen, not knowing if you’re going to be able to earn a living or not,” the band explain. Juxtaposing their serious unease with curt and relatable lyrics like “it sucks”, MOURN’s latest offering is as honest and cathartic as its title suggests. “It’s a really happy song,” the trio continue, “but one that represents being stressed out. The idea of ‘I don’t know if I’ll be able to afford an apartment any time soon, but hey, let’s dance and have fun!’ That’s the concept behind it.”

This duality is explored further in the accompanying video, directed by Alex Fernández. The visuals show the group in therapy, playfully trying to work though their feelings of angst and anxiety. The band want listeners to know that it’s “ok to go to therapy and to take care of yourself,” and that feeling unhappy is not a permanent state of emotion. It’s this mindset that fuelled their new album Self Worth, which looks set to be a riotously uplifting listen.

Watch the video for ‘This Feeling Is Disgusting’ is below and follow MOURN on bandcamp, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Cristian Colomer Cavallari

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Lotic – ‘Cocky’

Experimental sounds and assertive lyrics combine with dramatic flair on ‘Cocky’, the latest single from Houndstooth signee Lotic. Following on from her previous single ‘Burn A Print’, Lotic continues her message of self-belief and empowerment on this defiant new track.

“‘Cocky’ is a song for the girls,” explains Lotic. “It’s a reminder to always recognize and demand your worth. It grants permission to radically stand in your truth, even when it may shock or offend, and most of all it’s a celebration of growth, prosperity, and confidence.” It’s this traffic-stopping attitude that fuels the demanding, energetic nature of Lotic’s electronic tunes.

Born in Houston USA but now a familiar face on the Berlin underground club and electronic music scene, Lotic (aka J’Kerian Morgan) shared her debut album Power in 2018. The record showcased her vocal and songwriting abilities for the first time, consolidating her skills into a coherent message about transforming fear in to fierce autonomy.

As with all her releases, Lotic declares that her mission is to “live life to the fullest by not giving a fuck about what anybody thinks,” which she effortlessly achieves on ‘Cocky’. Listen to the track below and follow Lotic on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

 

Photo credit: Philip Primus

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Noga Erez – ‘You So Done’

A resilient, emotionally charged offering from a defiant and uncompromising artist, Noga Erez has shared her new single ‘You So Done’ via City Slang. Accompanied by a stunning set of visuals directed by Indy Hait, the Tel Aviv based artist delves deep in to the memories left behind by a toxic relationship, making this her most personal release to date.

“At some point, exactly one year ago, I started flashing back to one of the darkest times in my life,” Erez explains. “I was young, incredibly confused and lonely. There was a moment during this period where I was actually so weak, insecure and in need of love that I was not able to step out of what I know now to be an emotionally abusive relationship.” Erez’s recognition may strike a chord with many listeners who have endured this kind of emotional isolation, and she wants them to know they are not alone and that there is always a way out.

Erez has channelled her fears, frustrations and un-nerving flashbacks into ‘You So Done’, which despite its context, radiates artistic confidence. Far removed from the joviality of previous lockdown inspired single ‘NO News On TV’, Erez’s distinctive sound has evolved further on this new single. “What a joke, what a joke you made me / What’s a Queen to a Joker, tell me” she taunts over spacious beats and warped electronics, her calm delivery belying any resentment she feels about her experiences.

Erez’s patience and willingness to explore her memories in the track and the accompanying video are what make both so impressive. Her third collaboration with Tel Aviv-based director Indy Hait, the visuals for ‘You’re So Done’ felt risky to Erez in the beginning. “Usually, I have an idea or I work with a director on an idea together. I decided to let [Hait] do his thing. He offered up an idea that included a robot and I immediately hated it. I was just not able to imagine how it wouldn’t come off as a science fiction video and felt it wasn’t my style. But after talking and tearing the idea apart, I realised that this is a truly meaningful character.

The robot in this video is actually not the violent character. Its job was to portray the act of violence through transferring the moves from an unseen character and helping them come alive visually. The video uses muscle memory as the ‘engine’ to that violent dance act, and muscle memory is something that fascinates me. Eventually this video is far from being science fiction, it is my most personal video to date.”

Watch the video for ‘You’re So Done’ below and follow Noga Erez on bandcamp, Facebook & Spotify for more updates

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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