Always happy to give shine to new artists, even more so if they’re from our home town. Was just sent the press release for this and thought to pop it up…

Having already worked with the likes of Leona Lewis, Estelle & Lauryn Hill, Rian Peters has been making quite the name for himself within the UK underground scene. The video up top is of his debut single ‘Getaway’  and features the Godfather of Grime himself, Wiley.

There’s something about this tune I really like – I can hear something in the melody that is definitely working and I like the beat too. My biggest ‘issue’ with it would be that I can hear indications of it leaning towards that ‘UK urban pop’ sound I really don’t like. There’s not so much of it here that it ruins the song, but I just wonder if that’s the direction Rian is going in (and if it is, it’s completely fine – it just wouldn’t be my cup of tea). The key factor that saves this song from sounding like that is of course (aside from the melody) Wiley. His opening and closing verses work great. Smart move.

Rian Peter’s debut album is scheduled for an Autumn release.

Click image to download ‘Volume 1′ EP

The homie over at SoulUK said I needed to hear Def Chronic’s new EP, so I took his advice and downloaded it (it’s free) – he wasn’t lying. I did have to hear this and so do YOU!

Smooth soulful vocals, nice grooves…Pure summer vibes – this is that good stuff. Hailing from Sweden, an area of the world which is producing some incredible soul music as of late, singer Seinabo Sey & producer Frank Nobel have produced a dope 4 track EP (5 including a bonus remix track) which I have had on constant repeat over the weekend.

While listening, I did some research on the group and found myself over at one of my favourite blogs – moovmnt – and saw a post they did on Def Chronic a while ago. In it they mention that singer Seinabo is actually our very own Fatima’s half sister. The pair apparently met ‘at a very late stage in their lives’ – how crazy/dope is that? Two great singers making great music so closely related? Anyways, I digress. Very little else could be found on Def Chronic – not sure why, but they don’t seem to be ‘online’ much. They need to fix up on this really as more people need to hear their music.

‘Volume 1′ has everything a soul lover needs: It’s funky and edgy, intelligent and well crafted. It’s a ‘feel good’ EP, put this on on a summers day or at a chilled BBQ, in your headphones or while you’re clearning your house – you and your peoples will be feeling real nice. Definitely need to hear more from these guys soon.

Download their EP by clicking the image up top and preview their sound via the stream below…

Listen: Def Chronic – ‘Oh!’

I’ve been listening to Numaad‘s debut EP, Now, every day for the past 2 weeks (no lie). I wanted it to fully soak in before I wrote about it. It’s that time now.

Numaads consists of Dutch producer Sense and singer Esperanzah, who together have created something quite wonderful here. Her sensual vocals, over his experimental and inspired beats is pleasing to both the ears and the mind. Soaked in influences from near and far, you can hear on Now something very honest and heartfelt.

Bluesy neo-soul, moody beats and eclectic instrumentation brings the EP’s title track alive. ‘Now‘, my favourite song off the extended player, is a stunning example of contemporary soul. It’s the perfect introduction into Numaads’ world and sets the tone for the rest of the EP. Watch the video for this track above.

Track #2 is entitled ‘Wanting‘ and sees Esperanzah on her spoken word flex, backed once again by a strong production of jazz chords and a groove beat. Switching between rap and singing with little to no effort, this sees a slight departure from the first song – but once again, it just works.

‘Thankful‘ follows and is my second favourite song from the EP. The production here sounds so…Dramatic. It’s beauitful. A deep drone beat, random bells and drums spontaneously boom and clapping – all the while Esperanzah’s vocals float atop, effortlessly, perfectly. I have to give it up to Sense, his production here is remarkable.

‘World‘ the last of the original songs (the final 2 songs are remixes of the title track) on the EP concludes the session well – once again a blend of spoken word and singing, this song will have your head bopping with ease.

As I mentioned, the last two tracks are remixes of ‘Now’ – one by Robot Koch and the other by J Rawls – both are actually really good. You can listen & download the former, for free, below via Numaads bandcamp.

Like I said in the beginning of this post, I’ve been listening to Now non-stop for the past 2 weeks, with good reason. It’s a beaufuflly put together project which will satisfy most soul lovers. This, in my opinion, is modern neo-soul and as much as ‘we’ may hate that tag – it’s true. Smokey vocals and sexy beats – I love this!

Buy this EP via hhv now.

Written by Ash Roye

Wilson is a London based singer songwriter who’s been quietly doing the rounds on the London circuit for the last couple of years. Now with his commercial music degree under his belt and dues paid, he’s getting ready to make some noise!

He is a male soul vocalist unlike any other on the scene. A vocal filled with undeniable quality and sound of soul fused gospel combined with inspired musicianship that helps him stand apart from many of his peers. At the moment he is putting the finishing touches to his EP that should be dropping this summer here’s a couple of snippets of what to expect!

Wilson – ‘Stay With Me’ by musicisremedy
Wilson – ‘Miles Away’ by musicisremedy

Dude is straight ridiculous! If you want to hear these songs in full catch him live performing alongside the Remedies at Remedy Live June 17th at the Rhythm Factory Whitechapel – as part of an awesome line up of quality live music featuring some of the best up and coming artists around.

Written by S_H_E

Fae Simon will be a name to remember, as she embarks on bringing the underground to the surface.  Performing all over London, this soul singer who has been vocally trained in Opera and Jazz released her debut album last year.

Mellowdrama is filled with beautiful lyrics and smooth beats, perfect Sunday morning music with tracks like ‘New Londinium’ (below) and ‘Fly Love.’ She is currently touring Europe with Yarah Bravo on her ‘Good Girls Rarely Make History’ Tour and will be performing at the Lockside Lounge for the Ladies First Show in Camden on 27th May, along with other British female artists. This night is completely overlooked and if you live in London, you should find yourself there.

Her album is available on iTunes – home grown support!

Listen to ‘New Londinium’…

I’d never heard of Mansions on the Moon before, the homie Andrew (aka the music dealer lol) shot it over to me the other night and said I should check them out. I hit play on their new video “She Makes Me Feel” and loved what I heard. PinBoard being PinBoard (an inclusive place for all things dope) I thought I had to share with you guys – I think you’ll like it too! They’re rocking that 80′s, electro pop vibe.

I don’t know much about the band, but I do know they have a mixtape coming out hosted by DJ Benzi & Diplo, no word on when it’s dropping but I got my ears locked on these guys now so soon as it is – I will let you know.

After the jump you can check out their EPK video, which features appearances from Malice (Clipse), Shae & Chad Hugo (N*E*R*D) and a couple others you may recognise.

Should have really named this “One To Watch”, but I guess that’s implied

Let me know what you think of the band and the track/video…

Peace, Love & Mansions On the Moon

Speeakz

Continue reading this post…

[bandcamp album=2946160557 size=venti bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=0a12f0]

I have selfishly been keeping Jimetta Rose to myself for a good few months. I apologise. After you press play on this, you’re going to be angry with me. Why? Because she’s so freaking fly, that’s why. Jimetta’s debut album The Barber’s Daughter dropped in January, I discovered it around a month after and have been repeatedly listening to it ever since.

A good, ol’ fashioned dose of Soul is something we all love to hear, but when it’s delivered in such a fresh, contemporary and powerful way, that’s a different story – enter Los Angeles native Jimetta Rose. A name you may have heard on projects by Georgia Ann Muldrow and most recently Shafiq Husayn’s En’-A-Free-Ka.

Upon hearing the albums first song “Glory Us”, which sees Jimetta singing passionately to her love, in a way that reminds me of Jill Scott, captures perfectly, what you can expect from the rest of the LP. But before you even think this is just another ‘copy cat’ artist, let me stop you – this lady has her very own style, her very own stance. Any comparisons made to Scott or any other established and respected artist, need only be taken as the complement it was intended to be. Nothing more, nothing less.

Clearly inspired by the greats, The Barber’s Daughter, continues strong – influences from Africa, Jazz, the Blues, and Funk can be heard scattered around, all wrapped up in undiluted soul. Songs like “On My Own”, “I Got God” and “Revolution Out There”  (which she also rhymes on FYI) provide a groove I  have missed in Soul music.

Jimetta’s voice is so clear, so concise, so unquestionably soulful it captivates, quite literally. I often find myself having to re-listen to a certain line, or a certain ad-lib just to have it sink in. And don’t be mistaken, she’s not ‘just a singer’ either, she has something to say too. The album focuses heavily on love, all aspects of love. Rose opens her heart about being in love, giving love, being loved and wanting to be loved. She also covers some political ground on the empowering and provoking “America (Revisited)”. Meaningful lyrics gives this LP an even greater and fulfilling purpose.

The Barber’s Daughter is an album you will continue to listen to weeks, months, years after your first play. I firmly believe that.  It is due to artists like Jimetta and albums like this, that this year, I have such a rejuvenated view of Soul music. I am so excited to introduce you guys to this wonderful artist and only hope you enjoy her as much as I have/am.

Preview the entire album by pressing play on the bandcamp player above and then support it by purchasing it (for only $12!).

Peace, Love & Jimetta Rose

Speeakz

I will go as a far saying that Gonjasufi is one of the most ‘unique’ (for lack of a better word) artists’ we’ve ever featured on PinBoard. We only post dope things on this site, so trust in us, but I feel I need to say “keep an open mind”, before introducing you to the world Gonjasufi has created with his incredible debut A Sufi and A Killer.

Produced by Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer and Mainframe, this psychedelic and colourful album is by far one of the most eclectic pieces of work I’ve ever heard. The sounds and genre changes dramatically from song to song and while many may find that erratic and in-cohesive, I find it quite interesting. On first hearing A Sufi and A Killer, after reading about it in the RBMA’s Daily Note, I was confused – not simply because it is pretty ‘out there’, but because I was really enjoying it! And no, I wasn’t high.

I enjoyed the dramatically varying influences – from Rock, to Folk, to the sounds of the Middle East, to Hip Hop, back to electro-dub-breakbeat-something. I challenge anyone to put a label on what Gonjasufi has managed to assemble here. Gonjasufi’s voice is haunting, but seemingly acts as an accompanying instrument as apposed to the LP’s focal point. Admittedly there are some hit and misses throughout the album, but when it’s right – it’s right and for the most part it is – the songs grow and compliment each other well.

[soundcloud url="http://soundcloud.com/pinboardblog/10-ancestors-www-pinboardblog-com" params="show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=0017ff" width="100%" height="81" ]

Listen: Gonjasufi – “Ancestors” (click arrow to download)

The fact that A Sufi and A Killer is difficult to label in an age where everything seems to fit into a musical box (R&B / Hip Hop / Soul / Pop / Rock etc) is energising. To experience something that plays so dangerously close to the line between genius and insanity is exhilarating. I reckon this is the closet to the hallucigenics-peace-loving-1970′s as we’re going to get. And like all those great albums, the more you listen to this, the more you discover and fall in love with it. For me A Sufi and A Killer is an experiment gone great and reflects true artistry, exploration and musicology.

A Sufi and A Killer is out via Warp Records on 8th/9th March 2010. Support great music.

Peace, Love & Gonjasufi

Speeakz

BUG, a 24 year old Londoner (brap!), is an up-and-coming producer and songwriter. If you were to blend soulful Hip Hop beats, imbed that with some Funk and Jazz, and fuse it all together with a new-age electronic sound - you’ll just about arrive at where BUG is at. And I gotta say, it’s a pretty cool place to be. Check out BUG’s debut single “Cosmic Lab” / “20 Winks” which you download for free via the download link in the player below.

I’m really feelin’ this a lot – I like how both tracks are melodic and interesting. They don’t sound confusing or pretentious - and I can hear a lot of influences (that I can relate to). Definitely going to be keeping an ear out for this guy – you should too.

Peace, Love & BUG

Speeakz

Much love to juslikemusic haha!

I’ve been rinsing this EP for about 3 weeks now, but have only now gotten round to featuring it. Released last month, The Basics is the latest project from producer Dunc (who’s previous work includes Diamond District’s In The Ruff) and emcee Toine (who you may have heard on “95 North” off Oddisee’s Oddisee 101 album).  Together, these two go by the name of DTMD. This 6 track deep EP stays true to it’s title – in that it’s all about real Hip Hop, soulful-jazz infused beats and intelligent rhymes. This is really great music. I reckon you’ll think so too.

Download it for free by clicking the download button.

Peace, Love & DTMD

Speeakz

New Contributor: Hi I’m L.A.B and I like to bug out to beats. Expect a lot more of me on PinBoard from here on!

An immediate liking was taken to JimiJames, which is rare when it comes to female singers. Considering she has been around since 2006 it’s slightly annoying she has not blown up bigger. When I heard her music it was that first agreeable nod to then just straight buggin’ out. Hailing from L.A and releasing her first album titled The Truth she is now set to drop So Janky and after hearing her Mixtape it’s sure to be fire!

JimiJames – “Choose Her”

JimiJames – “Bitchin’”

Her vocals nicely compliment the “grttipop” sound, as she describes it. Her music sways from head banging electro-funk like “Bitchin” to some straight R&B like “Undressed”. Undoubtedly her style shows through her music and nearly every song makes you move.  As I said, a rarity! Definitely one to keep your pupil on. Let’s hope her talent reaches out far and she has longevity.

Goto JimiJames’ myspace for loads of free music including a hot mixtape or two.

- L.A.B

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jPFfps58dE]

Last night we went down to Proud Galleries in Camden to attend the first iLuvLive event of 2010. Even though the line-up was crazy strong (and there’ll be a separate post/footage on all the other performing acts later), the main attraction for me was seeing Jessie J live.

We featured this Essex soul singer as ‘One to Watch’ last year and with good reason. Recently signing a major deal with Universal Music/Island Records and penning songs for the likes of Miley Cyrus (“Party In the USA”) and Chris Brown (“I Need This”) – 2010 is set to be her year.

Taking time out from writing and recording her debut album in the States, Jessie took to the stage, for the first time in a year, (without her labels knowledge, oops) and blew the roof off. It was clear that most in attendance was there to see her also – she got the loudest cheer going on and the loudest cheer coming off.

Check out her impossibly powerful vocals during a performance of her song “Big White Room”. I have a couple more videos of her (and the other talented singers) coming up in a bit, but for now – enjoy this incredible talent.

Peace, Love & Jessie J

Speeakz

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7Cvzj_2GzM]

Admittedly, I’ve been a bit late when it comes to McLean. I’ve been hearing good things about him for a minute, but a life of a blogger being what it is, sometimes ya just slip (a little lol). Anyways, I just watched the video for his new single “Broken” and say that I was impressed would be quite the understatement. This track is serious and his voice is killin’ me right now. I’m definitely feelin’ this one – he now has my full attention. I hope to hear more real soon (hint to the label, eh?).

Tinchy Stryder features on the remix. “Broken” is out November 9th.

Peace, Love & McLean

Speeakz

P.s You can also hear McLean War Child’s Young Soul Rebels – “I Got Soul” which is released October 19th.

I’ve just discovered this dude. Found his video in my inbox, pressed played and really liked what I was heard…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrn5UN1UegA&feature=player_embedded]

Erik is a Swedish singer/songwriter, who after having success in his native and other parts of Europe, signed a deal with Island Records UK. “Don’t Bring Flowers” is his first single over here.

I love that 80′s sound mayne, sucker for it. This track, while kinda morbid, sounds dope! Feelin’ this – something a lil’ different for you Saturday!

..’Member where you heard this guy first!

Peace, Love & Erik Hassle

Speeakz

LDN Town, be here. Get to know XO Man. He’s style isn’t exactly what I naturally navigate to, but you guys know I appreciate dope sh*t. I think this guy has something real cool about him, good energy and a nice vibe. What more you want? I’m sure you’d like to know more about him, find out what he’s about and get to know the 7 foot man holding the mic. Check the promo video below – this guy has got jokes! The video covers his performance at The Big Chill Festival and gives a little insight into his quirky sense of humour whilst promoting his forthcoming show – a must watch…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYkn-0h1kt0]

See you there.

Peace, Love & XO Man

Speeakz