Summer Walker returns with 'Clear' EP
We open up this month’s playlist with Summer Walker’s Grave, a track off her new EP Clear. Clear was released January 25th, a fairly speedy follow up to her October 2018 debut album, Last Days of Summer. Clear is a 4-track collection of live track performances from the singer that was one of 2018’s emerging R&B highlights. Showcasing her ability to bring jazz and R&B elements together, with raw, unflinching lyricism. Grave is a peak example of the EP’s subtle brilliance. Clear’s release was accompanied by a visual live performance of the entire EP. Moody, sultry with other-worldly ambience, be sure to check the performance above.
Tiana Major9 delivers Rehearsal @ NINE
Tiana Major9 also kicked off 2019 with Rehearsal @ NINE, her long-anticipated debut EP. Rehearsal @ NINE is a banging and true homage to Jazz that remains relevant to the sound of today. It’s quite simply just the stuff good music is made of – incredibly lush production, thoughtful lyrics with the richest of voices. All 6 tracks deserve your tracks, but the stand-outs are the previously released Mr Mysterious and Cat & Mouse. Cat & Mouse is featured on this month’s On The Wave playlist.
Reminiscence EP - Joy Crookes
Same day as Tiana Major9’s and Summer Walker’s efforts, UK R&B breakout, Joy Crookes also delivered her Reminiscence EP. As the title denotes, Reminiscence looks back on her roots, history and relationships, inspired by a January 2018 first-time visit to Bangladesh. It harks back to the days of the blues and psychedelic soul, but is fresh and current with R&B / Hip Hop edges. Our fave pick, Man’s World gets an On The Wave spot this month.
Meet Amyra, The Multifaceted Artiste Leading a Movement of Music and Art with Purpose
We’re seeing a real moment of threaded themes of intention and social consciousness across several musical genres at present. In the ilk of pioneers like Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino), Solange, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, there is a groundswell of emerging artists making music with purpose above all else. Chicago-based Soul singer Jamila Woods elevates Black womanhood, while Londoner Lemzi has earned a name for himself for rapping about knife crime. This strong motif of purpose fuels London-based New Yorker, Amyra, and is the thread that ties her several art forms together.
Singer, author, playwright, educator and activist, Amyra is a multifaceted artist who uses her voice as an instrument for change. 26 year-old Amyra’s work is conscious without being preachy, a pure voice using her experiences as a call for change. Describing her work as ‘catharsis’, Amyra expresses her experiences as a Black woman through her artistry. And she’s turning pain to action. Currently writing a book, performing a play titled VASELINE in London about the intricacies of Black womanhood. Amyra has now released her latest single GLOW ahead of her upcoming album WITNESS. This talented New Yorker is one to look out for.
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