Photography via I N S I D E / O U T press
The big release today is the young king Steve Lacy’s debut, but odds are you already know that. So here are your five on it, our music round-up featuring lots of other magic from this week which you need to hear:
Hamzaa – ‘London’
Rising star Hamzaa’s latest is an uplifting ode to her home, in spite of the constant flux of change in the city. For her stunning voice alone it’s worth a listen, but watch the video too to catch some familiar local faces (yes, some of the gal-dem staff are in this video).
Dounia – NOT GOOD FOR THE EGO
This new EP from the NYC artist with Moroccan roots glimmers and bounces impressively. Her soft yet assured vocals are layered over polished, gleaming, trap-infused production. [Listen to the EP on Spotify]
Amaarae – ‘Spend Some Time’ ft. Wande Coal
With her feathery-light voice and the gentle, twinkling beats, Ghanaian singer-songwriter and sound engineer Amaarae’s fresh track is a delicate call to the dancefloor.
Skinny Pelembe – Dreaming Is Dead Now
The debut album from Doya Beardmore is an immersive, strangely beguiling beauty. It sounds like you’ve been submerged by water, all licks of warm guitar, buoyant basslines on a bed of broken beats, with his fluid vocals floating atop of it all. Lyrically it’s a therapeutic way for the artist to consider his worries about xenophobia and broken Britain. [Listen to the album on all digital streaming services]
Shay Lia – Dangerous
The Montreal-based artist (who is also Kaytranada’s protégé) has put out her first EP, and it’s a joy. Light, blissed-out, and heavy on the hi-hats, there’s funk and dance shining through this R&B-leaning release. [Listen to the EP on all digital streaming services]
You can find our Five On It playlist on Spotify, updated weekly.
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