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Vana Liya, Pepper – Round n Round (with Pepper) (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, The Latest, World Music|Tags: Commercial, Dancehall, Pepper, Review (EN-RU), Vana Liya|

Vana Liya, Pepper – Round n Round (with Pepper)
(Spotify)

“Yes, no doubt, -round n round- is able to charm and tear you away from reality. The composition is very well arranged and you listen to it easily in one breath, a must for your music list.”

“Да, без сомнений, -Round n Round- способна очаровать и оторвать от реальности как минимум на несколько суток. Композиция проработана очень тщательно, слушается на одном дыхании и вычёркивает из вашего списка все проблемы и заботы.”

-Nagamag.com

Genre-busting female artist of color Vana Liya releases single "Round n Round" (Featuring Pepper) in advance of her upcoming debut album on LAW Records

The daughter of immigrants from Guyana, genre-defying pop reggae/dancehall artist Vana Liya made a serendipitous recent arrival on the national music scene in recent years after several of her covers of popular reggae songs went viral, gaining her the support and encouragement of top reggae artists and eventually leading to a record deal with L.A.-based LAW Records as their first-ever female solo artist.

As a young female artist of color in the heavily male-dominated world of reggae and dancehall, Vana has quickly earned a rare respect and a reputation among many of her well-established musical peers as a solid collaborator who always brings a fresh take and positive energy to the mix with her distinct yet not easily classifiable “island” vibe.

Case in point: Vana Liya’s new single "Round n Round” featuring iconic American reggae rock legend Pepper, (out now on LAW Records). Produced by multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and Stick Figure member Johnny Cosmic, the single pays homage to LAW’s free spirit of collaboration between major and emerging artists with Vana’s raw, sweet, and ethereal vocals cascading over a meandering electronic reggae groove, and paired with Pepper frontman Kaleo Wassman’s iconically bold lyrical delivery.

Thematically, “Round n Round” relates that mystifying mix of loneliness and wanderlust familiar to the timeless wayfaring traveler and the roving artists who stray far from home to follow their muse across the globe. When Vana first started touring, far away from the familiar and often spending long hours by herself, she developed an overwhelming feeling of loneliness:

“I remember being at this house party somewhere in the Virgin Islands, people were all around me but I was still feeling so homesick that I suddenly walked outside and just started crying. But in that moment, I looked up at the sky and I saw the constellation Orion. Growing up, it was always my favorite because every time I would pull into my driveway in my house in New York I could see it. Gazing up through my tears to see Orion suddenly just made me feel like I was at home. It was this really empowering moment of peace and becoming settled in the unsettled. I'm really lonely but I'm doing what I love to be doing and everything is eternally ok.”

For Vana, having a Pepper feature on the track was a no-brainer, especially considering the song’s subject matter and the fact that Pepper’s music was instrumental in helping her overcome anxiety as a teenager.

“I remember one time when I was driving,” reflects Vana, “I heard Pepper’s ‘Sitting on the Curb’ and was like, ‘This is a really happy song so next time I have an anxiety attack, I'm gonna listen to this song.’ And that's literally how I got over the anxiety. I just put the headphones on and play it over and over and over again. This feature is such a big deal to me because Pepper is such a big part of me ...and the fact that that song was about touring and feeling okay when you're not okay kind of made for the perfect storm. As soon as I wrote it, I just heard Kaleo’s voice on the song. He did his little soft Kaleo thing and then he did his hard Pepper thing where he raps, so I feel like I got the best of both worlds with his feature!”

Upcoming live dates for Vana Liya:

7/10 San Diego, CA - Bay Fest
7/24 Orlando, FL - Dirty Heads Vacation
10/21St. Petersburg, FL - Reggae Rise Up

https://twitter.com/vanaliyamusic
https://www.facebook.com/vanaliyamusic/
https://www.instagram.com/vanaliyamusic/

Jai Uttal – After The Fire (Shiva’s Lullaby) (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, The Latest, World Music|Tags: Jai Uttal, Review (EN-RU), Singer Songwriter, World Music (Other), World Music (South Asian)|

Jai Uttal – After The Fire (Shiva’s Lullaby)
(Spotify)

“-After The Fire (Shiva's Lullaby) is a way to break out of the storm hugs and push off from the impending sea puchin. Music sends your consciousness to your possessions, beyond the limits of reality and will contemplate with you unshakable and such majestic horizons in our immense universe.”

“-After The Fire (Shiva's Lullaby)- способ вырваться из объятий шторма и оттолкнуться от надвигающейся морской пучины. Музыка отправляет ваше сознание в свои владения, за пределы реальности и будет созерцать вместе с вами непоколебимые и такие величественные горизонты нашей необъятной вселенной.”

-Nagamag.com

Noted for his heartfelt renditions and upbeat barn burners of classic Kirtans (Sanskrit chants from ancient India), Jai Uttal, who has just passed his 70th birthday, and was part of the successful Chant For India event that raised over 100,000 USD for COVID relief in Mother India, is excited to announce tomorrow’s release of his new single, “After the Fire (Shiva’s Lullaby).” The song is available in all audio formats at https://ffm.to/afterthefire.

“After the Fire (Shiva’s Lullaby)” is the first single release from Jai’s upcoming album, Let Me Burn, that will be coming out on August 4. For the last year and half the world has been in a cocoon, inwardly burning, waiting for the chrysalis to fall away. As we enter the summer months and our hearts begin to emerge, ready to fly, and feeling the global need for a healing and nurturing sonic balm, Jai decided to make his first single release from Let Me Burn this deeply meditative piece.

Jai describes the song as, “Concealed in the vast glaciers of Mount Kailash, after the fires of destruction, even Lord Shiva sleeps. With Mahadev’s head in Parvati’s lap, dreadlocks askew, the divine Goddess intones to her beloved the sacred five syllable mantra ‘Na Ma Shi Va Ya’, and peace shrouds the universes.”

Jai sang and played guitar and harmonium on the song, with keyboards, engineering, and mixing handled by his longtime collaborator and producer, Marin music scene stalwart Ben Leinbach.

With COVID-19, the intense fires of Northern California and the social and political strife of the last year or so, Jai notes, “2020 was a year full of challenges, but it has also been a year of deep healing, personal growth and more intimate family interaction. It’s also been a time of deeply connecting with my extended family and greater Bhakti community. I’ve been doing weekly live stream concerts and Kirtans, that have been a great point of focus for myself in terms of preparing and creating new songs and practicing my older songs, as well as bringing our extended Bhakti family and community together over Zoom. The pandemic has also pushed us to create online Kirtan Camps. These events have been greatly appreciated, and have enabled people from all over the world, who would never have been able to attend a Kirtan Camp in person, to join us. The recent loosening of restrictions and the recent opportunity to give back to India, a country that has given me so much, have given me hope that 2021 will be a vast improvement over last year.”

https://jaiuttal.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/jaiuttal
https://www.facebook.com/jaiuttal
https://www.instagram.com/jaiuttal/

Greek Brothers, Giota Papadopoulos – Touto To Mina (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, The Latest, World Music|Tags: Giota Papadopoulos, Greek Brothers, North African), Review (EN-RU), World Music (Middle Eastern, World Music (Other)|

Greek Brothers, Giota Papadopoulos – Touto To Mina
(Spotify)

“According to the composite construction and music from -TouTo to Mina-, it is strongly allocated on a general background, which distinguishes this work from many others. Very pleased with the solo in the loss of stunning emotional promise. The composition itself sounds very fresh and balanced.”

“По композиционному построению и музыке -Touto To Mina- сильно выделяется на общем фоне, что отличает эту работу от многих других. Очень порадовало соло в проигрыше, потрясающий эмоциональный посыл. Сама по себе композиция звучит очень свежо и сбалансировано.”

-Nagamag.com

http://www.facebook.com/greekbrothersmusic
http://www.instagram.com/Greek_brothers

Based in England, Greek Brothers began as a function band, building a strong local following performing Greek folk music at weddings, summer festivals and local bars throughout the UK, as well as in Germany and Greece.

Recently unable to perform live due to Covid, the band turned to recording, working on a selection of their favourite Greek folk songs, as well as original material.

Their aim is to combine traditional Greek music and contemporary Western sounds in equal parts, drawing on both their Greek and British influences to create works that are simultaneously old and new, Eastern and Western. The song “Touto To Mina” is the band’s first attempt at this.

The vocals of the track are provided by 23-year-old German based singer, Giota Papadopoulou.
A close friend of the band, they performed together often and have plans for further recording collaborations.

FERHAT – My Istanbul (Video)

Categories: The Latest, Video, World Music|Tags: Adult Contemporary, Cinematic, Epic Music, Indie Pop, Review (EN-RU)|

FERHAT – My Istanbul
(Video)

“Strong instrumental intro with inspired symphonic samples. From the very first seconds you feel the absorbing sound atmosphere. Something great, mighty, breaking through the arrow. The magnificent vocal solo of -Ferhat- is immersed in real trance.”

“Сильное инструментальное интро с внушающими симфоническими сэмплами. С самых первых секунд чувствуешь поглощающую звуковую атмосферу. Нечто великое, могучего, пробивающая насквозь стрела. Великолепное вокальное соло -FERHAT- на протяжение всей композиции погружает в настоящий транс.”

-Nagamag.com

https://www.instagram.com/iamferhatofficial
https://www.facebook.com/iamferhatofficial

FERHAT meldet sich zurück. Nach dem hochgehandelten, zornig-virtuosen Track „Father State“, bringt der frischgebackene Preisträger der Deutschen Popstiftung in der Kategorie „Bester neuer Rock & Popkünstler 2020“ seinen neuen Track

MY ISTANBUL

. Und erneut lässt

FERHAT

keinen Zweifel an seiner Überzeugung: Mit seiner aufsehenerregenden Fusion aus modernem Sound und traditionellen Klängen seiner türkischen Herkunft ergreift er wieder das Wort gegen die Beschränkungen von Liebe, Religion und persönlicher Freiheit. Auch das eindringliche Video der türkischen Szene-Regisseurin Irmak Altiner unterstreicht mit fast schmerzhaft-intimen Close-ups die Beweisführung der Anklage:

A simple salesman in a cheap fashion store went outside to smoke his cigarette – they came and said it‘s Ramadan and beat him down, so he won’t forget

My Istanbul, a poisoned breath is inhaling you.

MY ISTANBUL

entstand gemeinsam mit dem syrisch-stämmigen Songwriter Masen Abou Dakn und wurde jüngst für einen German Songwriting Award nominiert, während die Fachwelt kommentiert: „In dem eindringlichen schwarz-weiß Video wird in klaren Worten Istanbul in der Jetztzeit beschrieben. Verzweiflung und Agonie: ‚My Istanbul, a strange wind is blowing through my Istanbul‘. Nach den Demonstrationen auf dem Taksim-Platz und der Veränderung, die die Erdogan-Regierung herbeigeführt hat, wird die Situation durch eine minimalisierte und sehr persönliche Bild- und Klangsprache dargestellt.“ Musikalisch steuern dem drängenden Plädoyer von

MY ISTANBUL

auch Jan Brauer von Brandt Brauer Frick sowie der renommierte DJ Matt Star (u.a. Tresor) starke Remixe bei.

Das Urteil? Der Berliner Musicboard-Stipendiat lässt nicht locker. Mit beeindruckender Leidenschaft und Vehemenz hält

FERHAT

an den Fragen fest, die auch Motor seiner musikalischen Kraft sind: „Warum darf ich nicht alles sein, was ich liebe? Ich rufe zur Versöhnung auf, denn am Ende sind wir einfach Menschen.“

Über

FERHAT

Nach der Schauspielausbildung und Rollen u. a. in der ARD-Serie „Mordkommission Istanbul“ wurde der schweizerisch-türkische Künstler an der Popschule Berlin, der Sängerakademie Hamburg sowie der Zürcher Hochschule der Künste ausgebildet. Neben Auftritten als Tänzer für Madonna und Robert Miles veröffentlichte er eigene Tracks und performte im Berliner SO36, beim Christopher Street Day in Zürich sowie auf dem M4Music Festival, wo sein Demo in der Kategorie „Best Pop“ nominiert wurde. Sein Track „Pehlivan“ war auf der Compilation „Listen to Berlin“ und für den Publikumspreis nominiert, das dazugehörige Video war in der Auswahl für „Bestes Musikvideo“ des Filmfestivals Basel. Zuletzt war er als Schauspieler in der Amazon-Serie „Für Umme“ zu sehen.

Ferhats Songs entstehen in Berlin, Zürich und Istanbul, er arbeitet regelmäßig mit Kollegen wie Jovanka von Wilsdorf (u.a. Laing, Tim Benzko, Annette Humpe) oder Songwriting-Koryphäe Masen Abou Dakn zusammen.

Addis Pablo, Baroni One Time, Daddy Mory – Tranquille (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, The Latest, World Music|Tags: Addis Pablo, Baroni One Time, Daddy Mory, Reggae, Review (EN)|

Addis Pablo, Baroni One Time, Daddy Mory – Tranquille
(Spotify)

“An intoxicating blend of French flavoured deep roots reggae and South American hip hop reggae, skilfully mixed to create a vibrant yet ‘Tranquille’ infectious modern vibe that has a joyful, warm texture and affords the listener an experience full of character with a cosmopolitan flavour.
”

-Nagamag.com

Accompanied by Baroni One Time, the French reggae icon joins forces with the Venezuelan hip hop reggae star on a hymn to independence in the form of an ego trip. With an instrumental produced by a reference in European producers, Hemp Higher Empire, who invited Assis Pablo to the Melodica. Augutus' son Pablo brought a deep roots touch to this solid modern reggae production. After the success of these last solos, Daddy Mory returns in combination, still in the framework of his next EP, Krtitk.

https://www.instagram.com/addispablo/
https://www.facebook.com/daddymoryofficiel/

Josh Harris, Norris Man – This Morning – Original (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, The Latest, World Music|Tags: Dancehall, Josh Harris, Norris Man, Reggae, Review (EN)|

Josh Harris, Norris Man – This Morning – Original
(Spotify)

“Imagine that you awake, open your eyes and see humming birds hovering outside your window gathering nectar. The sun is rising into a clear blue sky & the scent of gardenia, honeysuckle, Jasmine, orchids and many more wonderful fragrances fill air. On the cool breeze you hear the addictive vibes of a reggae redemption song. Welcome to Jamaica, Enjoy ‘This Morning’ by Norris Man & Josh Harris.”

-Nagamag.com

A morning song of redemption

https://www.facebook.com/BigFeetRecords

Rasta Phil – Livin’ Ain’t Easy (Video)

Categories: The Latest, Video, World Music|Tags: Reggae, Review (EN-RU)|

Rasta Phil – Livin’ Ain’t Easy
(Video)

“-Livin ‘Ain’t Easy- is the intense energy of sparkling beats, keys and expressive bassline. You can also enjoy Vocals in Reggae style, which is performed at the highest level from the first to last second.”

“-Livin’ Ain’t Easy- это интенсивная энергия искрящихся битов, клавишных и выразительной басовой линией. Вокал в reggae неотъемлемый компонент, который исполнен на самом высоком уровне от первой до последней секунды.”

-Nagamag.com

Rasta Phil, is a talented musician and performer who started his music career after moving from Trinidad to Boston, U.S.A. in his teens. Rasta Phil quickly rose to success as a mentor, co-producer, and advisor to many famous celebrities during the ‘80s and ‘90s. His originality and positive lyrical content are well known internationally along with his acting and production work. Over the years Rasta Phil has successfully nurtured close ties with a broad network of famous actors, artists, producers, and directors in both Hollywood and the Canadian entertainment industry.

Early in his career while in Boston, Rasta’s musical ability led him to work and tour with Ralph Tresvant and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He also performed on The Arsenio Hall Show, one of the many times he created an unprecedented vibe during his live performances.

After migrating to Canada Rasta Phil focused on movies and acting. He has collaborated with and remains close to many giants in the entertainment industry such as Mark Wahlberg, Michael Budman (Owner of Roots Canada), Kate Hudson, Gina Rodriguez, Kevin Bacon, Laura Haddock, Josh Duhamel, Isabela Moner, Anthony Hopkins, John Singleton, James Foley, Antoine Fuqua, Danny Glover, Ned Beatty, Ludacris, Bokeem Woodbine, Mila Kunis, Alyssa Milano, Reese Weatherspoon, Post Malone, Jimmy Butler and many more.

Rasta Phil is currently attached to some exciting new projects with many more in development while also devoting countless hours to helping various organizations for at Risk Youth. Creating positive opportunities and experiences through music and entertainment.

https://www.instagram.com/rasta_phil/
https://twitter.com/rasta_phil

FeelFree – “Big Shot Man” (Video)

Categories: The Latest, Video, World Music|Tags: Dub, Reggae, Review (EN)|

FeelFree – “Big Shot Man”
(Video)

“”FeelFree” new single in Reggae mood and protesting spirit. Lyrics full of meaning in a song with fighting attitude against control and human manipulation. The sound that gives courage and can replace our lost energy. Don’t miss it.”

-Nagamag.com

Big Shot Man” the latest single from FeelFree unloads a full lyrical clip into the greed-fueled, divisive culture that has pervaded American politics for far too long. This rootsy protest anthem from the D.C. based band features FeelFree’s hard-hitting horns and a memorable chorus that sings, “we will never be afraid, though you wanna manipulate, we love what you hate, and we’ll build what you break.

https://www.facebook.com/feelfree703
https://www.instagram.com/feelfreemusic
http://feelfreemusic.com/

Anna Aarons – A Perfect Day (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, The Latest, World Music|Tags: Anna Aarons, Reggae, Review (EN-RU)|

Anna Aarons – A Perfect Day
(Spotify)

“The song -a Perfect Day- does everything, that even a minute of former melancholy and doubt goes into oblivion. It brings a lyrical mood. It is very unusual to hear female vocals in Reggae, but a spontaneous smile appears on the face and the mood instantly goes into a plus!”

“Песня -A Perfect Day- делает всё, чтобы даже минута прежней меланхолии и сомнений ушла в небытие и вырисовывалось лирическое настроение. Очень необычно слышать женский вокал в жанре reggae, от чего улыбка самопроизвольно появляется на лице и настроение мгновенно уходит в плюс!”

-Nagamag.com

“I’m walking way above cloud 9, making my own sunshine” is the opening line of “A Perfect Day”, a feel-good happy song performed by London singer songwriter Anna Aarons.

Fusing lively cumbia with reggae beats and the most gorgeous ukulele sounds, Anna Aarons delivers a pick me up song that gently lifts everyone’s mood into a happier space and blows away the worries of the day to day. Her nonchalant vocal style appeals with her casual directness coupled with sensual melodic finesse. Gentle yet infectious reggae beats add a bounce to everyone’s step. The catchy singalong chorus perfectly expresses the universal mantra to happiness: “everything is A-OK, oh what a perfect day”.

https://www.instagram.com/annaaa_sings/

Anna Aarons specialises in a brand of commercial yet authentic and soulful indie-pop. Her distinctive voice is partnered with dynamic bass, driving percussion and jazzy electric guitar on her last single ‘Words’ and previous offerings ‘Her’ and ‘Since You Went Away’, both of which celebrate female figures in Anna’s life. In her music, she has conveyed her sanguine ability, touching on dark themes such as grief in the lyrics and uplifting them with jazz-threaded kinetic production.

Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Anna has sold out multiple shows at Pizza Express Live performing her tribute to the late soul superstar. She began to develop a name for herself by busking on the London Underground, and her talent helped her reach the Quarterfinals of the Isle of Wight New Blood Competition. Now, she is delivering captivating new music that is indicative of her dazzling potential.

Bor Luos, Brittney Bouchard – Move Along (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, The Latest, World Music|Tags: Bor Luos, Brittney Bouchard, Commercial, Review (EN-RU)|

Bor Luos, Brittney Bouchard – Move Along
(Spotify)

“Emotional glow comming from exceptional sound and a strong vocal duet. A successful combination of metaphoricity and at the same time simplicity of text, dynamic melody and motive. -Bor Luos and Brittney Bouchard- released their new creation, which will stay with us for a long time.”

“Эмоциональный накал закрепляется нарастающей музыкой и сильным вокальным дуэтом. Удачное сочетание метафоричности и в то же время простоты текста, динамичной мелодии и мотива. -Bor Luos и Brittney Bouchard- подарили нам своё новое творение, которое останется с вами на долгие времена. ”

-Nagamag.com

https://www.instagram.com/borluos

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