LISTEN: Megzz – ‘Checkmate’

Following the release of her debut EP Feel My Love in 2019, and acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for last year’s ‘Tell Me Why‘, unsigned Northamptonshire artist Megzz has now shared her latest single ‘Checkmate’ – a truly soulful treat for the ears. Fans will know of her commitment to using her platform and creativity to speak on self love, mental health and racism. Throughout the last year, Megzz has raised funds for several charities tackling these areas and even created her own movement. It’s a wonder she’s had time to create new music at all, and yet here’s ‘Checkmate’ – a fresh, empowering tune for anyone frustrated after being left on read. She’s a wonder woman!

‘Checkmate’ opens with a tasty pop and R’n’B influenced beat from which Megzz launches her gymnastic ability to deliver bars of crystal clear lyricism while displaying broad vocal range. Soon, the charming, toe-tapping intro takes a satisfying drop into the meaty bite of a more electronic sound (think SBTRKT meets Lapsley) luring us from swaying shoulders to banging heads and back. Meanwhile Megzz’s songwriting is the stuff of Insta caption dreams – “a queen without her king is still a monarch” is my current favourite.

Megzz obviously has a huge amount to say and I can’t wait to hear what this innovative artist does next.

Tutku Barbaros
@tutkubarbaros

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Track Of The Day: Priya Ragu – ‘Good Love 2.0’

In a sleek and groovy nuance, Priya Ragu releases an irresistible genre-quaking single with her latest release ‘Good Love 2.0’. The Tamil-Swiss artist has handpicked the absolute salt of her inspirations and constructed a tune that is equally easy as it is innovative, showing clear influence from a multitude of styles.

Pulsing bass and glossy vocals make ‘Good Love 2.0’ a feel-good pop banger, but it is not until Priya’s alternative funk-fuelled post-chorus comes in that we understand the musical density of this tune. With a sea of charismatic hand drums and glitchy production, Priya and her team have engineered the most refreshing taste of R&B that reflects an earnest taste of the current scene.

With shades of artists like Orion Son and King Princess, Priya has used both tender, poetic lyrics and the artistry of sound production itself to paint the emotive picture for her story in ‘Good Love 2.0’. Presenting strong songwriting with clear-cut infatuation-filled lyrics, listeners have such an exhilarating, dreamy treat in store. Optimism and curiosity fuel Priya’s ripened sonic energy that could make anyone, even for just a moment, imagine the sun. ‘Good Love 2.0’ is a moment of contentment and positivity that we all so deserve.

‘Good Love 2.0’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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PREMIERE: Jordana Lilly – ‘Locked Up’

Having released her debut album Small Capitals earlier this year, LA-based artist Jordana Lilly has now shared her catchy new single.

Celebrating self-acceptance, ‘Locked Up’ (ironically written before ‘lockdown’), oozes an uplifting summer groove as Lilly’s rich crystalline vocals flow with a soulful splendour. Propelled by an infectious, danceable energy and lilting positive vibes, it’s an instantly catchy slice of playful, funk-infused pop; the perfect accompaniment for safely catching some rays during this weekend’s heatwave. Of the track, Lilly explains:

“It’s essentially about being stuck with yourself, and the journey to accepting that, then going so far as to celebrate it. Perspective shifting has saved my life and my sanity, more times than I can count. Maintaining positive mental health is all about doing the work – which is something I think then whole world is really realising right now.”

Listen to ‘Locked Up’, for the first time, here:

 

‘Locked Up’ is out 10th August via Beardfire Music.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Wargirl – ‘Dancing Gold’

A sultry dose of funk, psych, and garage rock; Wargirl’s latest single ‘Dancing Gold’ is a smoldering, soul-infused gem. Released via German-based label Clouds Hill, the track is an exciting teaser of what’s to come from the Californian six-piece over the next year.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, the group explain: “In Costa Rica at sunset, the sky turns a million colors, sometimes the last sunlight is golden and it dances on the evening water and time stands still and you remember that all of life is a crazy miracle. All of us people are magical living beings, some of us get lost along the way, but at our best we are all ‘Dancing Gold’. This is a song to remind us to really live life as it is a gift and not be stuck in negativity.“

Vocalist Samantha Park’s voice projects powerfully over the band’s funk-fused beats, snaking bass lines, and psych-inspired riffs. ‘Dancing Gold’ is full of good vibes, and that’s what the band want to create. Guitarist Matthew Wignall extrapolates on this: “We want to make great, unique, interesting music with messages that are universal and true, encouraging the listener to take a deeper look at this life, to ask questions about what we all accept as normal.”

Wargirl will be touring the UK & Europe in March to celebrate their single release. Check out the video for ‘Dancing Gold’ below, and follow Wargirl on Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

Wargirl UK Tour Dates 2020
13 March London, Old Blue Last
14 March Bristol, The Crofters Rights

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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