This week Szjerdene dropped her long awaited Patchwork EP. To accompany its release  Szjerdene keeps up her track record of quality visuals with the video for the EP’s lead track “Blue Lullaby”. As always there are thought provoking images to compliment her lyrics and stunning vocals. The EP itself is very special, she sounds simply awesome and the overall feel of the EP can’t be put into any box its fresh and full of quality. You can listen and purchase the EP here check it out and invest in some real UK quality.

Last month the good people at Lyrix Organix launched their first compilation EP. Its features a vast range of different artists who have performed at their events over the last couple of years and acts as good taster as to what to expect from one of their events. The album is filled with lots of caribbean and African rhythms as well as some more soulful numbers and a couple of spoken word gems. Highlights would of course be G.R.E.E.d.S and The Remedies “We Are” and Dean Atta’s “Revolution” whilst the standout tracks for me would have to be Ayanna Witter-Johnson’s “Sometimes” and Ayah Marar’s “Dandelion Tea”. This is not available on download just physical CD it is however just £5 and a solid investment with all proceeds going to various charities. There is something for everyone here and as i said some real gems have a listen below and follow the links to purchase!

If there is one thing you can say about The Stow its that they never fail to deliver when it comes to visuals and their latest offering is no exception. The Moonrunners deliver simple quality again that works so well with probably the best track from their Covers EP. Good Tune, Good Vid, Good Work!

Whilst the sun was shining and the air smelt positive in the heart of Shoreditch, KM Scribbles managed to catch up with the lovely Kersha Bailey a few days before her highly anticipated album launch, over some sweet tasting juice.  See the exclusive interview below

So Ms Kersha let’s get straight into it! Let’s cover some background How long have you been singing? Did you know this was what you always wanted to do?

 Funnily enough I did want to be a Fashion Designer at one point but I realised that wasn’t really my passion. My mum is a singer and singing is in my family so when I started singing it just felt right. I actually did some acting for about 5 years but that was not my passion either. I have been singing from the age of 5 and that is where my heart belongs.  

 Your guitar skills are very impressive and I know you taught yourself how to play right? How long did it take you to teach yourself?

Thank you, I do teach myself yeah. I have been playing the guitar for 5 years but I did lose motivation for a while and lost patience of teaching myself so I have been consistent with playing and learning for 2 years. I am still learning though, I would probably say I am a bit better than a basic player but I want to increase my skills with reading music especially. How I actually started playing the guitar was whilst I was at a friend’s house. Her guitar was just sitting next to her radiator and I picked it up and started humming. I teach myself by humming a melody and writing it down really fast and then trying to find it on the guitar. I also had a few guitar lessons from Michael Kiwanuka & N Dubz’s guitarist Martin Anderson.  I used to play keys and the drums but I didn’t really feel a connection to them.

 I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peak of your album and I love thelyrics in your songs. Are they all written from your personal experience? Where do you get your inspiration from?

The majority of the album is from my personal experiences and my journey so far or I sometimes createstories which I think stems from the acting that I did. The song “Ain’t gonna waste my time,”

..{Interupption} Yes is that the first track? I love that song! Sorry continue lol…

 Aww thank you, the song is about a guy I was with; my first boyfriend. I was a virgin, as I am now and it’s like he couldn’t wait! He was a typical bad boy and I thought I could change him and help him but I realised that really was not the case. He cheated on me and it really hurt. I even put down my guitar for a little while and I did not realise that I had fallen away from my music. It’s crazy how when something like that happens you don’t actually realise how much it affects you and your everyday living. So yeah that is the story behind that song. The track ‘Beyond the Stars’ which is the album title is about when I was younger and wasn’t really confident. I would  sometimes do things that would go against what I believed in. A few years in I slowly started to gain confidence and accepted who I am….I’m still a working progress but i know I’m loved  Other inspiration I get is from people around me and things that may have happened to them but mainly my own experiences.

Wow, yea trust me it’s a hard lesson learning you can’t change someone! Do you have a favourite spot you like to go and write songs? What’s the craziest thing you have written a song about?

 Not really, I write songs ANYWHERE! The song ‘Minotaur and Me,’ may be confusing to people when they hear it as they may not understand what it is about. It is actually based on a bad dream I had which made me wake up in a cold sweat. In the dream the Minotaur was chasing me and there was a voice telling me to run. The dream seemed crazy at the time but I wrote a song about it and it was only years later that I realised the true meaning of the dream and the song. The Minotaur represented the male figures in my life who weren’t there, one of which being my dad who is non-existent and when I did come into contact with him it wasn’t anything positive. Also the guy I spoke about earlier – both of them are male figures that didn’t bring any positivity to my life. They appear all nice in the beginning but then you realise it’s not really what it seemed.

Wow it’s funny how life can work out sometimes. In your own words how would you describe your style?

Ah, I’ve asked my band they don’t even know, lol. My manager says I don’t need to confine myself to a genre or box; my music is just my music. For me I would say I am a mixture of genres with mainly Jazz and parts of Indie and Acoustic Soul. But I mean what section would that be placed under in HMV? LOL

What do you think about the UK music scene at the moment?

I think it’s heathly – we’re getting some recognition and I think it’s great. Whilst the focus is somewhat out here now I think it’s the time for the deserving artists and musicians to make their platform. We all know there are a lot of great artists in the US but I think it UK’s time now.

 How would you describe your journey as a solo artist so far?

It has been eventful and very interesting. When I was exposed to venues with the buzz around me I didn’t have the right people by my side to keep me grounded and to help me. I had people approach me who made a lot of false promises which obviously never worked out. I then lost my buzz slightly because when nothing is heard from you people automatically think you aren’t doing anything and I didn’t want people to forget about me. That was my low point. Also being unsigned is a struggle especially financially as you have to fund everything independently yourself. My album is going to be digitally released and I will be saving money from the guest list from my launch to hopefully print hard copies. This industry can be really stressful but I have had some high points too. Beverley Knight invited me to one of her gig rehearsals which was a really nice night – it was good to get an inside feel of what the industry is like and to learn from someone already in it. I got to just chill with her as well and buss’ joke which is always nice. I also had my tracks played in L.A and I headlined at Ronnie Scott’s and recorded a track with Labrinth – good times.

So the launch is fast approaching! Tell me about that – how is the preparation going?

It’s been a crazy one and because I am unsigned and not working I don’t have all the financial backing to support me and get the venue I really wanted to. Luckily enough though DJ Supa Fine offered to help me out with securing a venue and that’s how I managed to get The Hideaway. I will be honest and say it is not the ideal venue I had hoped for but I am really grateful. I am just stressing about trying to change the décor to put my Kersha Bailey twist on it and make it feel more homely. I would love to have some carpet, big lamp shades and cupcakes present at my launch. The decor the venue has at the moment includes skulls on the wall which definitely isn’t me but I am working with it. I am excited about the launch and nervous at the same time. I did not expect to see the amount of numbers that I have seen on the list to attend but for that I am so grateful, excited and nervous!

If you was not singing what would you be doing?

I would either be teaching music/singing or teaching how to play the guitar. I also like the idea of developing artists too with their singing voices as well as song writing.

Okay to finish up, describe what music is to you in one sentence.

Oh, it’s not just one thing for me. Music is a form of release no matter how you feel whether it’s happy or sad you can relate to it. It allows you to be yourself – you can be whacky, crazy sometimes strange. You can just be you and not be judged.

KM Scribbles

Kersha Bailey’s debut album ‘Beyond The Stars’ will be released on iTunes on Friday 30th March 2012.

The album launch will be held on Thursday 29th March 2012 down at The Hideaway, 114 Junction Road, London N19 5BL from 8pm!

 
This Tune has been making so much noise since the video dropped at the start of the year and today it is finally released! To go along with the release of “This Groove” Incisive has edited together some video clips of himself Shakka and TE1 (producer) putting the tune together. If you love the track then definitley worth and watch and as always when Incisive and Shakka get together there’s plenty of jokes.
Can’t say enough how much I respect not just these guys talent and quality but their work ethic is incredible. This tune deserves success get behind and download today.
This Groove is available to download NOW right HEREEEEE get downloading this and leave that smile let it grow

J The Exodus from The Less is More Music camp teams up with Mikel Ameen to bring us “Knowledge is Power” The lead track from the forthcoming short film “Illegal Activity”. Produced by Nutty P its a banger and J comes hard as done Mikel. Some powerful imagery in the video to directed by Upshot head man Sebastian Thiel.
J The Exodus drops a new EP this summer and the “Illegal Activity” Soundtrack is available NOW.

James Massiah dropped some new visuals from a show where he featured with the legend that is Benjamin Zephaniah. As always masterful performance gonna need to watch it a couple times to get it all down.

Sunday 18^th March 2012, was the day London based singer/songwriter Wilson, shared his highly anticipated debut EP; ‘Painted on Silence with the universe. In my humble opinion this is one of the best pieces of music to ever bless the UK music scene. From start to finish, from intro to outro the level of talent, expertise and musical finesse shine throughout the entire EP. Equipped with 6 tracks that have been musically bounded in perfect harmony, Wilson gives us an insight into his journey.  To begin with Wilson’s smooth, sexy voice declares his undying love for music as well as the utmost respect he holds for artists such as Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and the late Michael Jackson who also inspire him. Throughout the EP Wilson’s lyrics are very thought provoking and they tell a story – a story that has you gripped from the first decibel. Tracks such as ‘First Class,’ demonstrate Wilson’s amazing song writing skills as it clear that he has penned this song with such compassion and creativity. The lyrics are genius and gel so well with the title. ‘Stay With Me,’ is a beautiful up tempo track that will get you moving without you even realising; his music is powerful it speaks to your soul. This may be a strange analogy to some but Wilson’s voice can be compared to the likes of Denzel in the way in which it can captivate a woman’s attention. His voice is sensual and it cradles the beat like a mother’s hand to her child – it is just beautiful! This EP is full of real music including live instruments, real lyrics with a great story and a ridiculously talented voice. To be honest it is more than just an EP, it is art – a beautiful self portrait of Wilson, ‘Painted on Silence.’ If you haven’t heard it yet you may be the odd one out and want to rectify that very soon! Wilson is definitely not going anywhere as he knows music is what he was born to do;

“I’m staying here – my heart says it’s where I belong.”

‘Painted on Silence,’ is a jigsaw of musical bliss and I cannot wait to hear what else Wilson has in store for us!

Favourite track: Stay With Me

KM Scribbles

The Soul features team caught up with lady of the moment Lianne La Havas and had a chat with her about her music and her steady rise and evolution into a successful artist. There is also some footage of her performance in Birmingham. Loving her openess and honesty regardless of her vocal ability i don’t think you can’t not like her looks like she will be getting the chance to bring her music to the masses and i can’t wait to see it happen.

The more i see of Ruby Ann Paterson the more i am liking her. Her vocal is clear defined and flawless and her piano compliments perfectly. Not only is her vocals good but her songwriting is pretty strong too. Its all looking very good for this young lady definitely one to watch.

Interesting insight into Duke from the guys at House of Alt. He talks about his influences his music, captures him on stage, in dance studios and of course showing off the full range of the Wired Founder’s vocals. I do love the clips of tracks we hear here very 80s very funky look forward to hearing more!

Having just seen him Bad up YoYos with a full live band here’s a rare stripped down set from man of the moment Shakka. He doesn’t miss having the band behind him as he is full of energy and charisma to drive the set on his own. Really feel this guy is going to be MASSIVE and it really is only a matter of time. If you get the chance to see him live DO IT.

This is simply stunning. Paul Raj has been around for a little while now backing other artists on the scene now he’s stepping forward in his own right and how beautiful it is to see and hear. Awesome performance of a Donnie Hathaway classic that leaves the crowd silenced. One to watch without a shadow of a doubt. Big Love to the Writers Block team for capturing this it was something very special.

Kal was down at I Luv Live on Monday night and performed a new track from her forthcoming collabs EP. Mic Righteous joined her on Stage to drop some rhymes alongside her voice and guitar and it works really well. Strong track that i’m sure many people can relate to. Looking forward to hearing the rest of this EP.  If you’re liking the sounds of Kal you can download her music here.

The Soul Features team caught up with Wilson for a performance of a track from his forthcoming EP “Painted on Silence”. As always Wilson is sounding smooth and seductive. Tickets are available here for his EP launch this Sunday gonna be pretty special make sure you are there.

Footage from G.R.E.E.d.S performance at Love Lounge last month. It’s an intimate performance with an acapella piece and nice collab piece with the Love Lounge house band. Quality enjoy.

Spring is here and Remedy Raw is back from it’s Winter break. Raw launched last year is our spoken word event based in the B.O.G Gallery in the heart of Greenwich Market where there are no mics or amps it is just RAW. For the first night we have an awesome line up ready including performances from Dean Atta, Chimene Suleyman, James Craise, Anthony Anaxagorou and Lizzie Nightingale. Its all for FREE and will be a quality night. All the details are here come join us!

Gorgeous peformance from Szjerdene for the Station Sessions in St Pancras International Station. I’ll let the video do the speaking ENJOY. The Patchwork EP is released March 27th CAN NOT WAIT!!!

Now this is a little bit sick. Who takes a classic happy sing along song from the Corrs and sings it over the Dark moody beats of Massive Attack???? Obenewa that’s who and she does a might good job of pulling it off. She’s completely switched the mood of The Corrs song and made it into her own. Quality vocals as always from this lady and a job very well done. We anxiously await EP number 2! If you haven’t got the “Once Upon Its Time” EP download it here.

Couple weeks back G.R.E.E.d.S and The Remedies headed down to the Queen of Hoxton for Deja Vu FMs We Play Music event. The line up was filled with quality with performances from Terri Walker, Shakka and George The Poet. The guys produced a killer set, performing tracks from their “Ready” EP and it was captured in full check it out. The G.R.E.E.d.S and The Remedies EP is available here NOW.

Thursday 8th March 2012, down at The Rhythm Factory in Aldgate saw the first renowned Remedy Live of 2012. The night was filled with impressive UK talent, real music and warm vibes. The show began with a slightly shy crowd who some of which were Remedy virgins but all of that anxiety was soon put to bed by the impeccable G.R.E.E.D.S who was the host for the evening. He filled them with warmth, laughter and positive vibrations which soon prepared folks for the great night ahead.

To kick start the evening singer songwriter Greg Dwight took to the stage singing 3 original tracks that definitely got the crowd moving. He eased everybody in with his first track and moved onto crowd participation with his track entitled, ‘Better Days.’ Everyone loved this track and they were soon singing along following Greg’s musical instructions. “Coz tomorrows gonna be a better day….wo-ooooo.” This was his first time performing with The Remedies and it was a complete success. Before performing Greg stated; “I’m feeling awesome and I am looking forward to seeing everyone perform – it’s going to be a great night. I will be performing tracks people have heard before to keep the EP tracks exclusive for its release. Everyone also make sure you come to Wilson’s EP launch on the 18th March.”

Next to the stage was the sexy Ms Kaana Ellie who has been missed profusely from the Remedy Live nights and the live circuit in general. Ms Ellie explained her silence as having so much going on at one time. “When you have so much going on something has to go and at that point I had to let music go but I missed it so much so I had to return. I’m back with new stuff tonight so let’s see what happens. I’m feeling nervous, feels like I’m starting all over again but I’m excited to be back!” Kaana performed four tracks and from the first note it was crystal clear that the queen of funk was back! She rocked her gorgeous, sparkly stilettos and delivered her songs with tended to “Frustration.” It’s good to see her back doing what she does best!

Third to the stage was the lyrically sound rapper Incisive who exploded the stage with his funky fresh bars performing four tracks. From the moment he stepped onto the stage his energy was infectious and his music had everybody bopping their heads and tapping their feet. He performed his soon to be released single, entitled “This groove,” of which he invited singer songwriter Shakka to the stage who features on the song. This was definitely the track of his set – amazing sound and just real music! Having spoken to him before his performance Incisive voiced, “It’s my first time with The Remedies and I am looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to a new groove, that’s different to my normal stuff – a different groove with a different band.”

To close the night was the effortlessly, flawless singer songwriter Kal Lavelle who wooed the crowd with her soothing, sensual voice. Accompanied by the band and her self played guitar she serenaded the night with a number of tracks to end the evening with appreciation for real music and real talent. Kal has a beautiful voice that is almost surreal and has the power to captivate your attention at any given moment.

If you missed this night, shame on you but no stress because this will not be the only Remedy Live for 2012.

KM Scribbles

Yes Remedy Live is just around the corner. The line up has something for everyone and as always is filled with some of the best up and coming artists in the UK. Performances on the night will be from Incisive, Greg Dwight and returning to the stage with new material Kaana Ellie. Headlining will be the Irish singer-songwriter Kal Lavelle performing for the very first time with a full live band The Remedies. G.R.E.E.d.S will be your host for the night and The Remedies the houseband! Advance £5 Tickets are available here and its more on the door. Its gonna be a great night make sure you come join us.

Last week Incisive hit the stage with his band for the first time since the success of his video “This Groove”.  He performed his set in front of a packed house and it went down a treat! Something about HipHop Live can’t beat it when you get it right and this sounds great. Incisive will be performing this track and others alongide The Remedies @ Remedy Live this Thursday night tickets are available here you’re not gonna want to miss this set!

The guys @ Soul Features recently caught up with rising soul star Kaleem Taylor when he performed at Vocals and Verses @ Proud. He talks a little bit about himself how he started and what the futures and there’s some footage of the performance. This guy does have a really nice tone to his vocal perhaps a little reminiscent of Omar. Definitely one to watch out for.

Whenever this guy puts something up it always filled with class and soul. This is one of his old tracks but still something special. If you want to see him live catch him @ Wired next week you won’t be disappointed in the mean time enjoy this one.

Shakka was down at the increasingly popular Love Lounge night down at Plan B last month. Bringing the full band with him (featuring some of our very own Remedies) he produced this freestyle medley of some well know hits and sounds awesome! The hype around this young man continues to grow. Catch him next on stage @ Remedy Live with Incisive and he’s back at YoYos on the 15th make sure you head down!

Kersha Bailey has been readying for the launch of her album since the start of last year and this footage another signal that its gonna be a special piece of work. This medley of tracks is a preview of what’s to come and it sounds stunning. She sounds fantastic as she always has done and she went a threw a horn section so obviously I’m even MORE hyped about it. Its sounds class and visuals are very much onpoint too. Impressive start bring on the album!

Early this week we posted part 1 where George focused on the female here’s part 2 focusing on the male. Strong powerful and truthful words. Again kinda of poetry that secondary schools should be teaching or letting the kids read. Great piece.