Fresh Hit Radar, the sultry edit

Acoustic, female singer, Folk, Jazz, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, R&B, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, UK Music

We’re back with another instalment of our Fresh Hit Radar feature. This week we’re really slowing it down with a collection of sultry, R&B infused tracks from some incredible artists.

First up it’s sibling duo Skelly with track Sentiment. This Jazz-inspired single is the perfect blend of old and new, fusing classic Jazz elements with modern R&B flair. Grooving brass sections and some stunningly smooth vocals make track Sentiment a stand-out debut release from Skelly, we can’t wait to see what they do next. Listen below.

Next up it’s familiar face Eiza Murphy. This Irish songstress made it on to our Fresh Hit Radar feature with previous track Blackhole. Now she’s back and better than ever with moody single Taxi. Heavenly harmonies and a dark instrumental make Taxi a dark-pop wonder-track. Full of vocal prowess and some witty lyricism Taxi maintains Eiza’s reputation as one of the most exciting new artists in 2020.

Next on the lineup it’s Crying Beauty Queens with their single Blackbird. Atmospheric and intriguing this track has a sultry yet dark tone to it. A combination of lush guitars, rolling drums and soft yet driving vocals make Blackbird an accomplished track from Crying Beauty Queens. Listen to this track if you need some motivation for your weekend workouts!

Last but not least it’s Myla Vie with her soulful R&B track Real Love. This single has an effortlessly good old school vibe, combining all the best elements of classic R&B with Myla’s smooth vocals and an easy yet grooving beat. A stunning introduction to Myla for the Pop Playlister team, we can’t wait to see what else she will bring to the table.

Happy Listening!

Written By: Jessica Rowe

Jesy Nelson taking a ‘temporary break’ from Little Mix

Band, female singer, Music News, pop, Pop Music

Original Article

Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson is to take an “extended” break from the pop group for “private medical reasons”, their publicist has said.

A statement didn’t give any further details about the 29-year-old’s condition.

It comes after Nelson recently missed the final of the girl group’s BBC One talent show, and their hosting of the MTV European Music Awards.

Little Mix’s latest album entered the UK chart at number two on Friday.

All six of the studio albums they have released since forming on The X Factor in 2011 have gone into the top five, and they have had four UK number one singles.

In a statement, the group’s publicist said: “Jesy is having extended time off from Little Mix for private medical reasons. We will not be issuing any further comment”

Thoughts are with Jesy and the band, and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Reported By: Jessica Rowe

Taylor Swift masters sold to unknown investment fund

female singer, Folk, Music News, News, pop, Pop Music

Original Article

Scooter Braun has reportedly sold Taylor Swift’s Big Machine masters in a deal believed to be worth more than $300 million.

According to Variety, the music manager and entrepreneur has sold the master rights to Swift’s first six albums. The buyer is said to be an as yet unknown investment fund who closed the deal sometime in the last two weeks.

Swift has since responded to the news, sharing a post on Twitter with the caption: “Been getting a lot of questions about the recent sale of my old masters. I hope this clears things up.”

Swift said her masters were sold to a private equity company called Shamrock Holdings, and that she’d been contacted by them and was informed that her music was sold to them without her knowledge.

“The letter told me that they wanted to reach out before the sale to let me know, but that Scooter Braun had required that they make no contact with me or my team, or the deal would be off,” she wrote.

The letter claimed that Braun will continue to profit from her catalogue “for many years,” so while she was hopeful about partnering with Shamrock, Swift said that “Scooter’s participation is a non-starter for me.”

A sad turn of events for the Pop star who has been battling against Braun for years. Yet this situation teaches an important lesson to artists and reaffirms the need for smart contracts and even smarter musicians.

Reported By: Jessica Rowe

New music Friday, it’s time for our Fresh Hit Radar

Dance, Electronic, female singer, indie, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, R&B, Singer-Songwriter, Soul

It’s that time again where we share some of the very best new releases from this week. This collection of tracks comes from ALL genres and styles but with one thing in common, they’re all great tunes.

Let’s get into the Music!

First up it’s Scottish songstress Roma Rose with her track How to Feel. This slow Pop number is a truly feel good tune, easy synths and Roma Rose’s soft vocals create a pure sounding and smooth track. Rolling drums sit underneath Roma’s heavenly harmonies as she spills her honest lyricism. Play this one on a slow Sunday afternoon in the living room.

Next up we have itsreeves with track Left N Right. This talented artist creates ‘product without genre’, a true fusion of elements of Pop, Lo-Fi, R&B and more into a blend that’s smooth sultry and curious. Left N Right is a catchy number with itsreeves’ raw yet subtle vocal style reminiscent of talents such as Mac Miller. This track’s catchy beat and simply pure synths are a certified easy listen.

Next up it’s the ultra smooth Christine Nguyen with track Finding Happiness, feat. Jhalon. This track is pure R&B brilliance, bright guitars, sultry vocals and roomy drum pads. Christine Nguyen’s lyricism has a sad yet beautiful feel to it, an emotive songstress whose soft delivery flows like water. With a sound reminiscent of Jhene Aiko, Christine Nguyen brings talent and potential galore to the table. Listen Below.

The final addition to our Fresh Hit Radar this week is an ethereal electro track from Gefahrgeist titled Graceless. A little different to what you may be listening to but this track is executed excellently. Pure toned vocals, haunting harmonies and some picture perfect production make for a quality electro track from this Scottish duo. An easy feeling electro single that brings a relaxing feel to a typically hectic genre. Take a listen below.

Happy Listening folks!

Written By:Jessica Rowe

Doja Cat performs Metal version of ‘Say So’ at the MTV EMAs

Band, female singer, Hip Hop, Live, Music News, News, pop, Pop Music, R&B, Rap

Original Article

Doja Cat has given her smash hit ‘Say So’ a metal revamp at this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards.

The performance, which aired overnight on November 8, starts with the pop star crawling out of a TV screen, in vein of 2002 horror film The Ring. She then proceeds to snarl the typically bubble gum lyrics, transforming the track into a blazing rock anthem. Watch the performance below.

Doja Cat was nominated for two awards at this years MTV EMAs: Best New and Best Push, taking out the former.

Doja Cat has taken the commercial scene by storm in 2020, going from viral ‘Moooo’ star to a TikTok sensation, and one of this year’s most stand out artists.

Demonstrating her diverse vocal and stylistic talent Doja Cat is far from a one hit wonder.

Reported By: Jessica Rowe

Fill your boots with some new music from our Fresh Hit radar!

Acoustic, Alternative, Dance, female singer, Folk, indie, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, Review, Rock, Rock 'N' Roll

How do the weeks fly by so fast? We’re once again back to share some great new music with the world.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for your chance to submit and see the full lineup on our Spotify Playlist!

First up it’s Roveena with her power ballad Fly. This smooth yet atmospheric track is pure soulful pop brilliance. With huge vocals, haunting harmonies and soft piano Fly will have you feeling unstoppable. Fly is a cinematic soundscape you won’t want to miss, get ready to be motivated and ready to take on the world after a listen.

Switching it up it’s In The Forest with their Indie-folk track On the Run. This four piece acoustic band harmonises effortlessly to create a vocal blend that is naturally beautiful and purely instinctive. On the Run will have you feeling free as a bird, and ultra relaxed on your weekend. Listen below.

Tacking it up a notch it’s Four Crooks with their stand-out single Black Magic. This track is a driving yet grooving indie-rock track from the four piece. Deep vocals, gritty guitars and a rocking beat leaves us wanting more from this talented foursome. Listen below-

Switching it up for the final track by bringing you a stunning video! These Streets is an accomplished Pop-Rock from Killing Kenny. Accompanied by an emotive and powerful video These Streets is a heartwarming track to soundtrack your weekend. As the UK goes back into lockdown for a second time, Killing Kenny is back to lift our spirits and warm our hearts.

Happy Listening!

Written By: Jessica Rowe

Britney Spears asks court to remove her father as co-conservator of her estate

Electronic, female singer, Music News, News, pop, Pop Music

Original Article

Britney Spears’ attorney has filed court papers in a bid to remove the singer’s father, James Spears, as the co-conservator of her estate.

In papers filed on November 3, Spears’ court-appointed lawyer Samuel Ingham argued that the star will suffer “loss and injury” if James is allowed to retain his position.

Ingham is now requesting that James is removed from his position as soon as Spears’ new conservator, The Bessemer Trust, is appointed.

The latest legal battle comes amid the ongoing #FreeBritney campaign, which claims that the singer is being controlled by James – who became her conservator in 2008.

Spears first requested in September that her conservatorship is managed by The Bessemer Trust – a private independent firm that looks after $140 billion for over 2,500 families.

Another development in what seems to be an increasingly complicated relationship between Britney and her father.

Reported By: Jessica Rowe

Lady Gaga backs Joe Biden as the US election looms

Music News, News, pop, Pop Music, Singer-Songwriter

Original Article

Lady Gaga gave presidential hopeful Joe Biden an election eve boost on Monday when she urged supporters to vote for him at a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Poker Face star, who was attacked by U.S. leader Donald Trump for agreeing to join his leading opponent on the campaign trail, turned on the President and told fans to vote “like your life depends on it”.

“Or vote like your childrens’ lives depend on it – because they do,” she said at the Heinz Field event.

“And to all of the women, and all of the men with daughters, and sisters, and mothers. Everybody, no matter how you identify, now is your chance to vote against Donald Trump, a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters, or sisters, or wives, or mothers by any part of their bodies. Vote for Joe. He’s a good person.”

Her remarks referred to an infamous Access Hollywood interview, during which Trump and presenter Billy Bush had an extremely lewd off-camera chat that was caught on audio and published by The Washington Post.

Gaga also joined Biden on the campaign trail on Monday afternoon as he met with college students.

Trump and Biden will go head to head at the polls on Tuesday.

It’s great to see artists getting involved in important current affairs and setting example for fans across the globe.

Reported By: Jessica Rowe

A dose of Fresh hits a day keeps the doctor away!

Alternative, Band, Hip Hop, indie, Jazz, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, Rap, Singer-Songwriter, Soul

That’s right! We’re back with another healthy dose of new music for you to fill your boots with this Friday. A collection of great new tracks you truly don’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and without further ado let’s get into the music…

Kicking off our list with a BANG it’s grooving rockers MeMe Detroit with rolling track Mean Rock N Roller. This one is gritty, raw, catchy and guaranteed to get you up and moving on a slow Sunday. Pure Rock brilliance MeMe Detroit are the fearless, female fronted group Music has been missing. Check out the single below.

Next up it’s familiar faces The Kaizens with new release Left Hand Side. These Alt-Indie geniuses are no stranger to the Pop Playlister radar, having firmly established themselves as a band to watch in 2020 these musicians are bursting at the seams with angst, power and true instrumental ability. Left Hand Side is yet another subtly dark track from The Kaizens, a driving yet effortless tune that confirms what we already knew: The Kaizens are the most exciting band emerging onto the Indie scene in 2020.

Third on our list is a powerful single from I.Am.Tru.Starr titled Something’s Gotta Change. Creative, deep and moving Something’s Gotta Change is a statement through music. With elements of soul, Hip-Hop and Jazz I.Am.Tru.Starr’s music is a soundscape of spirit, soul and emotion. Making music in a lane that is truly his own, I.Am.Tru.Starr is one to watch in 2020.

Rounding up our list is EarthWindMud with his smooth Lo-Fi track Speak. The perfect single to relax your mind to, EarthWindMud creates a vibe that it the definition of calming. Speak is the perfect song for your Sunday playlist.

Happy Listening!

Written By: Jessica Rowe

Musicians Union launches ‘Justice at Spotify’ Campaign

Music News, News, UK Music

Original Article

The United Musicians and Allied Workers Union (UMAW) have started a new campaign titled ‘Justice at Spotify’ which, among other goals, is demanding that the platform raise its average streaming royalty from $.0038 USD to a penny per stream for all artists.

“One of Spotify’s core goals is to give ‘a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art’. Yet, to generate a single dollar on the platform, a song needs to be streamed 263 times,” organisers explained on the campaign’s website.

At the time of writing, over 4,000 artists have signed the UMAW’s petition – which you can do here. According to UMAW’s site, musicians including Thurston Moore, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Frankie Cosmos, Deerhoof, Julianna Barwick, JD Samson, DIIV, Alex Somers, Zola Jesus and more have all thrown their support behind the campaign.

This comes after the Uk Government announced an inquiry into streaming services to deduce whether artists are truly getting a fair slice of the pie.

What do you make of streaming services? Are artists getting enough?

Reported By: Jessica Rowe