After we previously announced the news of Keyshia Cole’s upcoming May /June UK Tour Dates in April, we at MOBO were proud to have been in the crowd at IndigO2 for her gig on the 31st May. This being her first tour dates in the UK for nearly a decade (eight years) made this normally exciting event even more special because of its rarity in having Keyshia on UK shores. Pushing aside recent controversy and outspoken comments, this was Mrs Cole-Gibson’s time to shine and let her music do the talking!
Looking around at an enthusiastic crowd full of music lovers, R&B fanatics and her UK contingent of support, you could tell that this was a long time coming for a gig that new and old fans alike had been waiting for. They were not disappointed. Keyshia wasted no time in wrapping her vocals around an impressive array of R&B hits to please her audience. The setlist included classic singalong hits like the Kanye West-featured single ‘I’ve Changed My Mind’, ‘Let It Go’ (with Missy Elliott), the ladies anthems ‘I Should Have Cheated’, ‘Love’, as well as more recent outings like the Lil Wayne-featured ‘Enough of No Love’ and current powerful single Trust And Believe.
What this gig showed was the way that Keyshia Cole has had a really successful career being herself by staying true to the R&B genre as a stalwart and ambassador for the true essence of it through her situational honest songwriting and choice of topics coupled with her passionately strong vocals. Whether it is a club track or a ballad, you feel Keyshia’s words as if she lived every bit of it. All of this comes through so well in her live performance.
Good things come to those who wait! We hope she doesn’t wait too long to come back and enchant us again!
Keyshia Cole’s current album Woman To Woman is out now.
The thing I love about the UK and its bustling music scene is the amount of new acts using past and present sonic influences coupled with their talent and willingness to push genres and their music forward. Each year this movement seems to gather pace with these acts starting to permeate the music industry with their unique forward-thinking sound. People like Disclosure, Rudimental, AlunaGeorge, MNEK and Jessie Ware come to mind as they are truly turning the industry on its head in a great way.
I recently heard about an artist that could join that impeccable list and with his first offering, is looking to make a strong impression musically on the UK music scene. His name is Aaron X.
Aaron X is a London-based Alt-R&B newcomer who has just released his excellent new single“BLAST”, available now for free download.
“BLAST” - produced by Danny Desai, is a beautiful melodic track boasts soulful heartfelt vocals and a truly captivating drawn-out soundscape. It fits together nicely making room for Aaron X’s voice to caress the lyrics and atmospheric production with real aplomb and finesse. It is truly R&B in its essence but it takes on electronic blips, filtered synths and analogue drum patterns which enhances its sonic gravitas to make it very current and alternative to what’s out there. It defies the genre-pigeonholing the industry is very well known for.
The song is a melancholic dark portrayal detailing a tale of heartache and vengeful words through his compelling lyrics which brilliantly mirrors the conflict of emotions that is evoked. Aaron X says of the track…
“It’s about a moment in time where I found myself at a crossroad, to let go or hold on. I think we have all been in that place where as much as we love someone, we slyly want them to feel the pain we are feeling, and using words is the easiest way to do that.”
With a sound that boasts an eclectic mix of emotions and experience, fuelled by the gritty nature of London’s East End and laced with influences from 90’s R&B and modern day Soul music, Aaron X is an undeniable star in the making and certainly “One to Watch” out for in the coming months.
Neo-Soul / R&B singer-songwriter Anthony Hamilton will be heading to the UK for a one-off show at London’s IndigO2 arena on July 11th this year. He will aim to enchant his audience and UK supporters with his unique brand of soul. Grammy Award-winner Anthony Hamilton’s silky smooth vocals possess subtle depth and truthful emotion which in turn, allows them to paint vivid visuals of the various topics and sub-plots of love and the situations that can ensue from relationships.
Throughout his career, his talent has allowed him to work and collaborate with esteemed musicians/artists/producers like Jill Scott, Nas, Mark Ronson, Talib Kweli, Keyshia Cole, Al Green, Babyface, Salaam Remi and Raphael Saadiq.
Expect to hear a hit-filled set of classic singles and album tracks from his five studio albums over the past ten years he’s been in the industry!
Whether you’re a die-hard Anthony Hamilton fan or just a real lover of good soul music coming from the heart, then this show is really worth a watch!
Date:11thJuly – IndigO2 – London
Anthony Hamilton tickets and are priced at £27.50 *£35 seated and £50 for VIP Kings Row Seats* (subject to booking fee) and are now available for purchase from AXS.com.
Outspoken American R&B singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole has just announced her first ever UK tour which is to take place in May and June this year in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Currently touring with the starlet is the talented R&B singer Chrisette Michele as her opening act, Keyshia is now prepared to bring her music to UK shores for the first time since her 2003 debut The Way It Is.
This tour will allow the Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling artist to perform tracks from her 5 albums, including such classics such as the Kanye West featured single ‘I’ve Changed My Mind’, ‘Let It Go’ (with Missy Elliott), the ladies anthems ‘I Should Have Cheated’, ‘Love’, and her more recent outings featuring rapper Lil Wayne on ‘Enough of No Love’ which was the lead single from her latest US Top Ten studio album ‘Woman To Woman’ last year.
This is a truly exciting time for Keyshia to connect with the UK audience and engage them with her new material, as well as remind fans of her well-known material and classic tracks too. This tour has been a long time coming and I’m just glad that she is finally acknowledging the UK territory with some well overdue tour dates.
UK singer/songwriter Tanika has been creating quite a buzz on the scene since 2012 opening up for rapper Joe Budden and working with artists like Angel Haze, Wretch 32, Tinie Tempah and Zebra Katz, creating a reputation as a quality live performer, and crafting her own catchy and diverse songs with eclectic vibes like the DVS-featuring single ‘Casualty’. Her distinctive sense of style, personality and edgy talent are already making her stand out in such a crowded music industry. This versatile vocalist talks to MOBO’s Kamran Assadi about her future plans, personal style and songwriting.
After the success of your viral single Casualty, how has the positive response to your sound affected you?
It hasn’t affected me. If anything, it’s made me more aware and trustworthy of myself and to just trust in what I do. It’s good that people respond to my music in a positive manner.
Tanika Featuring DVS ‘Casualty’
In your opinion, what makes you and your music different and unique to everything else out there?
I know that I’m me and what I write and sing about comes from a soulful place, it’s just my feelings out loud. I’m a human being, I go through things and I have feelings that I express in my writing and how I come across. I guess the difference is that there’s not many edgy females out there. Just growing up, I haven’t had a female that I’ve looked at apart from the Mary J. Bliges and Lauryn Hills – these girls are a bit edgy and down to earth and that’s where I kinda come in. There aren’t many females with that right now – not that I see anyway.
How important is style to your music and the way you represent yourself as an artist?
Style is important. Styling is the expression of art – it’s how you feel. When I’m doing visuals or writing songs, I think the style that I’m thinking about reflects the music and they go hand in hand. Clothes and fashion is a freedom of expression. You can always tell if someone’s wearing an outfit that expresses how they feel – that’s how it is with me. Music and fashion go hand in hand with me.
As a songwriter, how important do you think it is to be strong in your own writing skillset?
I think it’s important – even if you can’t write – to develop that as a craft or just enhance yourself as a writer. I feel that when you write your own songs, it’s coming from the core of you and you can hear the difference. You can just feel it.
What can we expect from your debut album?
You can expect loads. The album has everything in it. Every emotion, sweat and tear. Every piece of me is in it because I’ve been writing it for the past couple of years. This album is very cool, edgy, soulful and definitely fun.
Which artists do you look up to?
Lauryn Hill. She’s just an amazing artist and vocalist. She just said it like it is and expressed what she was feeling. She’s a powerful woman. Probably even more powerful than she even knows.
What artists are you into currently?
At the moment, I love Bruno Mars. His album is amazing. I also like Taylor Swift’s ‘Trouble’. Emeli Sande has always been catching my eye and she always will. Her music is just incredible. And James Blake.
Any other creative projects lined up?
I’ve got a record coming out with G Frsh, Tinie [Tempah] and Wretch 32 sometime next month. I’ve written a few songs with Emeli [Sande]. It’s just the singles and completing this album and getting it ready to go on the road next year.
What advice would you give to budding artists?
Tunnel vision. You know, just keep seeing that light at the end of the tunnel. And hard, hard work. Begin with the end in mind. I still live by that. And believing in yourself.
Tanika’s single feat. Sneakbo “Hooker Heels” is out later this month. You can keep up to date with Tanika via Facebook and Twitter.
As an advocate of the R&B genre, I sometimes feel certain artists, albums and songs aren’t talked about in enough detail to give the full-rounded view and recognition it deserves. There are so many musical gems out there that don’t get to see the mainstream light of day or if they do – they underperform in the charts, with some talked about as cult classics on the underground scene. 2004 had one of these aforementioned timeless gems released – I am talking about the critically acclaimed R&B/Soul album ‘Complex Simplicity’ by New Orleans-raised singer/songwriter Teedra Moses.
‘Complex Simplicity’ was her self-penned and co-produced debut album that she released on independent label TVT Records, which was home to influential acts at the time like Scott Storch, Lil Jon, Pitbull, and the Ying Yang Twins. This album put down the foundation to Teedra’s sultry style of singing and songwriting making emotive, addictive avant-garde songs that would stand the test of time – she made songs that you connected to. She was ahead of her time and put her stamp on the R&B game. Artists like Christina Milian (‘Dip It Low’), and Mary J. Blige (‘So Lady’) have all had a taste of her songwriting for their songs because Teedra is so versatile in terms of her subject matter and musical leanings.
After the stellar ‘Complex Simplicity’ album and writing other songs for the aforementioned artists, Teedra has shown that she’s more than just a one album wonder. She has worked tirelessly by constantly forging forward with her signature sound and honing it to give the R&B world some well-crafted music via her various releases. Between 2004 and 2009 she released the mixtape series The Young Hustla Compilation (The Young Hustla Compilation, Young Hustla Compilation Vol II: Live from the Jungle and Lionhearted – Young Hustla Vol III,). These were followed by the 2010 independent album release Royal Patience… A Love Journey and then in 2011 she dropped her Luxurious Undergrind EP. Teedra Moses also has a few collaborations under her belt having worked with the likes of Ras Kass, Raphael Saadiq, Raheem DeVaughn, Ying Yang Twins, Rick Ross and Walé.
Her recent signing with Rick Ross’ blossoming record label Maybach Music has enabled her to get her music out to a wider younger audience, and it also paved the way for the label to sign other R&B artists like former B2K lead singer Omarion. With this label, she has been able to perform more shows globally and get even more industry recognition for her contribution to the R&B scene over the past nine years.
Teedra’s songs possess strong beats, lyrical drama, the ability to glide effortlessly between fierce, attitude-ridden uptempo club bangers to sensual and soulful poetic ballads, brilliant hooks, wonderful vocal layering, intricate harmony arrangements, and undeniably smooth vocals.
Her voice manages to manipulate and bend around every lyric and nuance with real feeling and emotion. Regardless of whatever beat is thrown at her – you believe and feel everything she says and you understand the story and situation of which she talks about. It’s hypnotic soul music for the current generation. These are all qualities you hear in her music throughout her career up to this present day. She’s not afraid to show herself, unmask her emotions, embrace her old school flavour, and show off her Hip-Hop street cred either. She embraces all attributes of herself and that’s what really impresses me about Teedra. She has no fear in her music and it’s a beautiful thing to behold.
It’s a shame that in this industry such magnificent talent like Ms Moses is shut out of the mainstream as she is one of R&B’s most talented and underappreciated artists. She’s a true diamond and ambassador for the genre and her music has consistently portrayed that her music does speak volumes and touches so many people. However, her chances of reaching the heady heights of the charts are diminishing year on year. But Teedra is a true artist who stays creative and gives her fans what they want – high quality R&B/Soul music with every release.
Teedra Moses will be releasing her Luv=Rocket EP in April, with her untitled second album due to drop later on this year.
British R&B/soul music has been making its way back to the forefront in recent years with various mainstream/underground artists like Estelle, Daley, Alice Russell and Lemar showing love and staying true to the artform delivering truly high-quality projects. 2013 has brought a truly unique artist into that arena after a three year absence from music. I give you British R&B/soul singer and songwriter Hayley Cassidy.
Hayley has just released a brand new 12-track album named Stripped which introduces/re-introduces her to new and old fans alike. As the title suggests, Hayley Cassidy strips it all away to take things back to where music was made freely and openly with a sound that had no boundaries, rules or conditions to meet.
The result is one of the most solid diverse bodies of work I’ve heard in quite a while. It possesses energy, attitude, and sass that captivates you with every listen. The songs are littered with infectious hooks, slow-burning grooves, meticulous string arrangements and synth-heavy basslines to full effect. Yet, she equally knows how to show subtle honesty, introspective, and inner beauty in her lyricism. This is a commanding musical statement of an assured artist who knows the direction she is heading in and is comfortable with her sound. Hayley Cassidy pours her heart out musically with powerful absorbing vocals and compelling songwriting over heightened musical arrangements and intricate poignant production soundbeds from the likes of 3 Mindz (Tinie Tempah, Wretch 32) and long-time collaborator GKid.
Hayley Cassidy has given the R&B world a truly remarkable masterpiece which could professionally stand up to any recent US offerings.
In recent years, the genre of folk music has indeed had a revival of interest in its revered veterans as well as its newest stars. 2012 saw gigs and tribute events focused on a cacophony of acts like Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Kate Rusby, Sam Lee, and Laura Marling to name a few. And with the New Year of 2013 comes an abundant amount of new music peeking through to win our hearts. But through that hefty pile came one happy, uplifting folk song that steamrolled its way through to my attention. This song was called Back to Life by new US-based folk group Esther Sparks & the Whiskey Remedy.
This musical gem is a bright and subtly powerful song that creeps up on you and fills you with joy and hope. It naturally transcends you into the story of the song and embraces you with positivity and happiness. The message of the song goes beyond the fun façade and actually delves deeper into showing us that from tragedy can come triumph if you keep faith and persevere to make things turn out better. Sometimes you can feel lifeless, like life isn’t going your way. Life from time to time is full of stagnant energy, negative things can happen constantly, and you feel you’re stuck and can’t move forward. It’s that feeling and the low points within that feeling that inspired Esther to write this song as an elevating manifesto for herself to pick herself up after a dreadful few years where nothing went right. Things eventually got better and she came ‘Back to Life’ and beat the odds. Her freedom and sound of mind are celebrated so well in this track and exhibited to full effect. It’s so inspirational in its delivery, telling its story beautifully.
Starting off slowly with emotional melancholy, you feel and hear each nuance of that mood with the arrangement of the drum, keys and acoustic guitar. These same elements coupled with some soaring main/background vocals boosts the song to another level ending in an exultant cheer of delight. This group really have an ear for a catchy mainstream chorus, honest and effective songwriting and melodic sounds, and Back to Life truly benefits from those qualities.
Having recently got some UK radio airplay from regional station BBC Radio Scotland as well as gaining some local press in Colorado (Colorado Springs Gazette), this song has been building up a buzz and it’s not hard to see why.
Folk hasn’t sounded so impactful and full of life!
The last few years have seen British talent come to the forefront in an unimaginable way and this year is no different. On that note, let me introduce to you an unbelievably natural talent by the name of east Londoner, J. Appiah. J. Appiah is a fast-rising acoustic soul singer and songwriter truly making an impact on the British scene with his insightful lyricism and heartfelt vocals. J’s songwriting skills have helped him to obtain collaborations with grime stars Scorcher, Fekky and Pepstar and major label producers like Sony BMG’s Pantha (Cheryl Cole, Wretch 32). His professionalism stems from performing with established acts like Will Young, Labrinth, Blur and the London Community Gospel Choir – and that solid experience comes across in his music.
Taken from his astounding well-received debut E.P Studiocoustic and produced by EMI-signed O.D. Hunte, his latest song ‘I Ain’t Rich Yet’ follows that same vein boasting those qualities of insight and heart to full effect as well as carrying a copious amount of gravitas and promise within it. ‘I Ain’t Rich Yet’ is a beautifully stirring record that exudes true honesty in his tale of hope, perseverance and ambition. The track doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is but at the same time, it uplifts you in a way that directly inspires you and also lets you relate to each word in terms of overcoming obstacles and staying on the right track to achieve all your ambitions successfully. It has been constructed in such a brilliant way that J. Appiah’s subtle vocals smoothly wrap around the lush acoustic guitar string arrangements to make a resounding impact on the listener. This captivating R&B-tinged acoustic melody feels so natural and J’s delivery reminds me of a mix between latest British R&B star Angel and global superstar Ed Sheeran, which works so well and sounds sublime.
The song is already making waves on radio after receiving its nationwide premiere on DJ Target’s BBC Radio 1Xtra show as the BBC Introducing Track of the Week, and officially being added to the BBC Introducing daytime radio playlist for the week.
Listen below to ‘I Ain’t Rich Yet’ and look out for the single being played all across the BBC Radio networks this week:
Having worked extensively as a singer, rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist in the UK and Nigeria since 2001, David Evans is best known for his detrimental work creating a new chapter in the Afro-Pop genre with Nigerian artists like singer Saeon, rapper Ajebutter22 and musical duo Soyinka’s Afro amongst many others. As a solo artist, he arrived with a bang by releasing his debut single Follow Me Go in 2009 to independent critical acclaim on the online blogosphere which resulted in impressive digital sales for the single. Having worked on his craft, he has bolstered his musical production backdrops even more by becoming personal with his lyrics and incorporating a wider array of genres.
This eclectic EP boasts four original tracks showing David’s love for production, musicianship and different musical elements. He mixes elements of electronica, R&B, Afro-Pop, Dance, and Drum & Bass to influence and enhance his sound as well as showcase his versatility and emotion. Even though the offering is heavily focused on Auto-Tune, it doesn’t take away from the message and issues of David’s lyrics whether he touches on love, pain, nostalgia or belonging. Just like Kanye West’s emotional electronic Auto-Tune album 808s & Heartbreak, the use of synths and Auto-Tune heighten the mood and magnifies the depth behind each song and lyric. It takes on a different meaning. This is what David has managed to do here with this EP.
The title track Put It On You is a beautiful mellow mainstream song which features some sweet vocals from Zimbabwean singer N’yasha Dame. Both artists complement each other and naturally exude a chemistry that you catch onto straightaway. The subtle mid-tempo and modern African flavour of the beat gives it a lovely sheen as they talk back and forth about wanting/needing each other. Loving in the Morning is a R&B-influenced mid-tempo love song that is one for the clubs. The sparse production has touches of the contemporary R&B genre that the likes of Drake and other artists are pushing forward progressively at this current time. For My Hometown is an orchestral ode to his hometown of Owerri in Nigeria, which is a freestyle and as a result gives the track a natural authenticity and feeling that is full of passion and progression. It feels empowering in the way it is tackled and layered with acoustic origins. You feel his connection and sense of belonging to his hometown. Just Like Yesterday is a subtle and stripped-back composition that reaches out as a prayer that longs for everything to be ok. It touches on his perspective and pain over a fatal plane crash that happened in Nigeria to wonderful effect. Again, you feel David’s words and the feelings behind it. There’s an urge in his delivery that longs to be heard and acted on.
Rating: 4/5
The Put It On You EP is out now on iTunes and Amazon and other online/mobile stores worldwide.
