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Listen: Luke De-Sciscio out with ‘If one thing were different, nothing would be the same’
On Friday the 16th of December, highly prolific UK folk-artist Luke De-Sciscio released his eleventh full length album. At just 30 years old, ‘If one thing were different, nothing would be the same’ is the latest offering from De-Sciscio in his seemingly ceaseless effort to fully articulate the oscillations of his heart. This record comes off the back of his progressive-folk concept album The Banquet which he released via AntiFragile Music in the summer just passed.
Whilst ‘If one thing were different, nothing would be the same’ may not possess the genre-spanning scope of The Banquet, there is the distinct sense that Luke has returned triumphantly to his natural habitat and that, having overcome what he set out to achieve on The Banquet, does so with a certain feeling of lightness and an audibly contagious sense of peace.
From the album’s opening track ‘I’ll Die A Little’ to the frankly, breath-taking ‘The Tourist’ there is the distinct sense that Luke is revelling in and fully exercising his own creative freedom, be that a sonic freedom or simply the freedom to not be bound by his trajectory thus far.
In the year 2020, Luke had just released his break-out album Good Bye Folk Boy and off the back of the short international tour that followed he was invited to support Cat ‘Yusuf Islam’ Stevens at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival as well as the equally legendary Jose Feliciano at Austin’s SXSW.
Luke explains ‘this felt like everything coming full circle, my grandfather got me into guitar and Jose was his favourite guitarist. Cat Stevens’ ‘Father and Son’ was one of the first songs I really remember opening my eyes to the power of poetry.’ Despite this perceived correlation and the feeling of destiny, these shows were both victims of the 2020 global pandemic. A curveball that had profound emotional consequences for Luke which, when coupled with some close family tragedy, led him on a journey of recovery and therapy that would culminate with the release of The Banquet.
‘‘The Banquet’ really was my impossible task. The boulder from Greek mythology or something. I had gotten it into my head several years prior, this whole narrative, this journey. I was writing these songs between tracks on Good Bye Folk Boy, on the one hand you had these unhinged, effortless, totally free out-pourings of nylon plucked inspiration and then on the other, you had the songs for The Banquet.
‘I ruminated on them. If God is inspiration and his work is in the gaps, then The Banquet was what happened between those divine sparks. I was so petrified to release it for so long, I just keep working on it, working and convincing myself that if I build it, they will come. All kinds of delusional expectations, all kinds of grandiose motivation.
‘I just had to see a way to get it to the end. Because the task was enormous, there were something like 150 tracks running in parallel on some of the sessions, each 8 bars felt like a fully self-contained passage, I tried to give every moment, every room, its own personality, I tried to make it totally unique and unforgettable, I just devoted myself to that idea that I would fully articulate and ceaselessly ‘perfect’ every whim, take it all to its’ ultimate conclusion.
‘And with the help and instrumentation of some folks who’d serendipitously crossed my path over lockdown, we eventually, got there. When it was done – I felt such a sense of liberation. And then the label thing happened, and it all just seemed like every thing was about to pay off.’
Despite his hard-work and that feeling of inevitability, The Banquet went largely unnoticed. A few articles that surfaced following the release praised Luke’s ‘commitment to the vision’ and Robb Donker’s highly respected underground blog American Pancake described the album as ‘monumental’ stating that ‘there would be Luke’s music before The Banquet and Luke’s music after.’
A statement that would ring prophetically true for, just a few short months after The Banquet’s release, Luke has returned with what is currently being described as his ‘masterpiece’ (The Revue).
If one thing were different, nothing would be the same is an album clearly at peace with itself. The title alone alludes to finding solace in the present on account of, not in spite of, the highs AND lows of the past. Yes, this is Luke returning to his stripped back folk origins, but also not afraid to reinforce the sound scape with multiple layers of organic inspiration.
There are subtle embellishments and delicately balanced harmonies, the addition of some orchestration; violin by the staggeringly talented James Morrigan and the occasional inclusion of almost blues-inspired electric guitar which, if you allow your mind to wander, offers a meddling counter-melody to some of the gorgeous vocal tones that lace this album from one end to the other.
As you listen, there is the profound sense of gratitude. Lyrical themes that circle back around tinge every cloud with a silver lining, unafraid to confront the dark but sure to squeeze it for every ounce of light. There is reflections on spiritualism, moments of scathing sardonic wit and a persistent, deeply devotional love.
It is that love in fact, that through the albums 10 songs (12 if you count bonus tracks) that Luke never lets you forget, ‘to love is to love a love that will get away’, ‘have you ever known love without the fall?’ , ‘love is war’ – it is clear that for every sorrow tinged revelation, Luke finds karmic closure in the opportunity to pursue that love. To dig deeper into love.
And so If one thing were different, nothing would be the same really is a thank you letter. For, as he sings on The Tourist, ‘the opportunity to try again’.
If one thing were different, nothing would be the same reminds us that, though everything may not go to plan, though the path may be riddled with pot-holes and unexpected twists, we can find gratitude for our history by staking claim to the present. Even our darkest days can just be a page in our evolution and we can find gratitude, even for those, by seizing our capacity to overcome them.
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Introducing “SEX” by Soundsbysdl: A Fusion of Abuja and Accra Underground Scenes
This groundbreaking album transcends borders, seamlessly merging the vibrant sounds of the underground music scenes in Abuja and Accra.
“SEX” Features Two Distinct Sides:
Side A: With an electrifying and upbeat rage, Side A pulsates with energy, showcasing the raw intensity of the underground scene. Featuring a lineup of talented artists including L1trendsetter, Ya ROE, Kwelit, Jaleel Thomas, Usan-JT, Danny Montanna, Javan Santana, Trap KYD, and Siient Parker, Side A immerses listeners in a whirlwind of captivating beats and impassioned lyrics.
Side B: As the journey unfolds, Side B offers a tranquil and mellow atmosphere, serving as the perfect counterpart to the high-octane energy of Side A. Artists MASK MO, Kwelit, Micky wrecks, L1trendsetter, KOMÉ, Tyler-Leigh, Rezzyvfm, and Ruch Sensei contribute to this soothing sonic landscape, inviting listeners to unwind and reflect.
Adding to the album’s allure is a bonus track from the esteemed Ghanaian group AD20. Their contribution enriches the album with authentic Ghanaian flair
“SEX” was executively produced by the talented Kwelit and curated by Jodye SDL, ensuring a seamless fusion of musical styles and influences from both cities.
“SEX” marks a historic moment in music, as it becomes the first album to merge the underground scenes of both Abuja and Accra. Soundsbysdl invites music enthusiasts worldwide to join in the celebration of this unprecedented fusion of cultures and sounds.
Experience the electrifying fusion of Abuja and Accra underground scenes with “SEX” by Soundsbysdl. Available on all major streaming platforms, this album is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite cultures.
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Introducing oShamo’s New Single, “Life of the Party”
Nigerian-born, UK-based rising star oShamo presents his first official single of 2024, setting the stage for what promises to be a standout year. Aptly titled “Life of the Party”, the song was produced by SkeellzGotbeat and showcases oShamo’s distinct bass voice and charismatic personality. Throughout the track, listeners get a glimpse of oShamo’s charismatic personality, which shines through every lyric and note.
“Life of the Party” has rapidly gained popularity and is currently trending on TikTok. The song has inspired over 7,000 organic videos, accumulating more than 4 million views. Its popularity continues to increase day by day.
Signed to Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa, oShamo steps into the spotlight with this vibrant, energetic track, destined to become a staple in every party playlist, just as its name suggests.
“Life of the Party” is now available on all major music streaming platforms.
Connect with oSHAMO @Official_oshamo
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Tems Tells Apple Music About What Fans Can Expect From Her Upcoming Album, And More…
Tems joins Eddie Francis on Apple Music 1 to talk about her new song “Love Me JeJe” out now. Tems talks about how she came up with the new single, how it was a collaborative effort amongst her friends. She reveals that her mother loves the song and that it’s inspired by a Nigerian classic.
Also, Tems gives fans a glimpse into what they can expect from her upcoming album, “Born in the Wild”.
Key quotes below please feel free to credit Eddie Francis on Apple Music 1. Video to follow shortly.
Tems tells Apple Music about the love she gets from people…
Eddie Francis: There’s this certain reaction you get from people where like people love you. It’s not even just a like. Does that get weird? Because we feel like we know you and we don’t know you and you don’t know us.
Tems: I think I’m used to it. I don’t know why though. Always I’m like, “Do you really feel this way? Why? Why do you like me?” I don’t know, but I think I’m used to it now.
Eddie Francis: Like when they see you, it’s like, “Oh my God, it’s Tems.” And I’ve talked to you before and I know you’re really on energy and spirituality and I know you got to feel it. When did you realize you have a different kind of relationship with people that are fans of your music?
Tems: I think it’s just the reaction and in real life, the amount of emotion, there’s just this energy that feels pure that I get all the time. And I was like, “Yo, this is not normal. This is not normal.” It is different if it’s like, “Oh yeah. I think you’re just so cool.” And that might be the case, but I don’t know. It’s so much love sometimes, I just, I don’t, it’s just wild.
Tems on the creation of her new song, “Love Me JeJe”…
So basically, I went out to dinner with my girls, with my friends, two of my friends. We’re just like, “Oh, let’s just do a cute dinner. It’s going to be cute.” And afterwards, my friends are always telling me, you never show us your Tems side. Everybody else, yeah, you’re Tems, but my friends don’t feel like I am when I’m there. It’s just like, I’m this girl. So they’re like, “Oh, you never take us to the studio. We don’t even know if you are like… Are you a doppelganger? Are you like, what is that?” So I said, “Okay, tonight we’re going to the studio and you people, you are going to sing?” So they were like, “Oh my god, crazy. What?” So we went to the studio and two of my producers, they made this beat, Spax and Guilty and they sent it to me as a challenge like, “Oh. Yeah, I’m sure you can’t do Nigerian. I am sure you can’t do this jam.”
So I was like, I just had it in the back. So I played it and I told my friends, “Yeah, lets all freestyle, take turns. Oh yeah, you do freestyle, you…” So one of my friends did “Love Me Jeje, Love Me Tender.” And then my other friend was just screaming as well. And I was like, “Actually this is a mad vibe. I love this vibe. I’m going to keep this in the song.” And I did my own freestyle and it just was such a cute vibe and I wanted to pay tribute to the actual song ’cause I love that song. My mom loves that song. “Love Me Jeje.” The original song is from Seyi Sodimu. The original song is called “Love Me Jeje” as well and it’s a Nigerian classic and it just felt right.
Tems on the term “JeJe” and what it means…
Jeje is African and Jeje also just means the concept of the song Love Me Jeje, Love Me Tender, it just means love me softly, take your time with, love me unconditionally and show me good love. That’s what it means. So that’s the idea of “Love Me JeJe”.
Tems on “NEPA” and what that means when she uses it in the song…
NEPA is, so basically NEPA is the electricity company in Nigeria. And basically, we don’t always have 24 hours electricity. So when there’s lights or when the electricity comes back on, there’s this like, everybody, you just hear your neighbours shouting, “Hey, there’s electricity now.” So you turn me on like the electricity, I’m back on, you electrify me, basically.
Tems on what fans can expect from her next album, Born in the Wild…
“Born in the Wild” is actually about my journey. It’s about my experience as me and about the experiences I’ve had so far. And it really felt like the life I lived before, the life I was accustomed to felt like a wilderness. And it’s not really more so, yes, I was raised in Lagos and that’s a part of me, but it’s not really about the place, it’s more about the state of being. It was a wilderness in the environment I lived in and there’s so many things that happened and so many lessons I learned to come and be this person now. It is basically coming out of the wilderness. So that’s basically what Born In the Wild is about.
I’ve had to step back a bit to make sure or to check in with myself that I’m being true and also just find healing from all the trauma. Everything I experienced before Tems, I think I had to unlearn a lot of things. And this album is just, it is just a new way of me expressing myself while still centering who I am in it.
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Larry Vibez transports us into his universe in “Diary of Vibez” EP
Afropop Newcomer Larry Vibez is set to make his mark in the burgeoning Afrobeat music space as he unveils his highly anticipated EP “Diary of Vibez.” The project was released via Big Larry’s Record. (more…)
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CAKES DA KILLA releases ‘Black Sheep +’ album
Last month, New York rapper Cakes da Killa released “his most refined work to date” (DJ Mag), Black Sheep, and today, Cakes shares Black Sheep + out now via Young Art Records. With five new tracks and fresh album art, the deluxe version of Black Sheepexpands on his “most danceable album yet” (The FADER) and showcases more of Cakes’ “rapid-fire flows, clever punchlines and old-school ‘rapper’s rapper’ mentality” (RANGE).
Black Sheep is inspired by seeing the world, by embracing the nightlife and building community. Cakes’ critical and communal acclaim precede him: in the past two years, he’s played Glastonbury, Governors Ball, Sonar, and Whole Festival. He’s worked with everyone from Honey Dijon to Injury Reserve to RyeRye. Whether holding court, going through customs, or crushing competition, Cakes stands firm as a seasoned vet who knows his role and knows the game.
Reuniting with long-time collaborator Sam Katz, the producer behind 2022’s Svengali, Black Sheep finds the duo at their most comfortable and confident: Cakes wrote every bar, Katz did every beat. Over the course of the album, Cakes guides us through a spiritual trip from the clubs of Manhattan to the back blocks of Brooklyn. Black Sheep is a work of survival and sees the decorated emcee fully aware of his power, his place, and no longer settling for less than he deserves.
Featuring his sharpest writing and most electrifying performances to date, Black Sheep is a coronation of his graduation to foremother: a figure who spent his 20s hustling alongside his peers, focusing on the work, and paving the way for the generation we see today. He’s a rapper’s rapper, a girl’s girl, and he’s ready to be a superstar.
Watch Video for “Mind Reader” (ft. Stout)
Listen to “Do Dat Baby” (ft. Dawn Richard)
Listen to “Cakewalk” by Cakes da Killa
Watch Cakes da Killa perform “Cakewalk” on COLORS
Black Sheep + Tracklist
1. It’s A Luv Thang (ft. Wuhryn Dumas)
2. Mind Reader (ft. Stout)
3. Make Me Ovah
4. FourPlay
5. Do Dat Baby (ft. Dawn Richard)
6. Global Entry
7. Downtown J
8. Cakewalk
9. Crushin In Da Club
10. Problem 4 Problems
11. Ain’t Sh*t Sweet
12. Black Sheep
13. Chain Gang Pimpin
14. Fly Trap
15. Not Da One
16. Standing Ovation
Cakes da Killa Tour Dates:
Sat. June 29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Ladyland Festival
Sat. July 6 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
Sun. July 21 – Ghent, BE @ Boomtown Gent Festival
Sun. July 28 – Amsterdam, NL @ Milkshake Festival
Fri. Aug. 2 – Amsterdam, NL @ Dekmantel Festival
Praise for Cakes da Killa and Black Sheep
“Cakes Da Killa is a rap icon…” – Mixmag
“Black Sheep stands as one of the emcee’s best works to date, continuing his genre-defying style with renewed panache — jazz, house, R&B and rap all meld into one sound throughout the project — while his writing game reaches yet another career-high.” — Billboard
“[Black Sheep] is a confident compendium of breathless performances, bombastic personality, and thrilling genre collages.” — Pitchfork
“[Black Sheep is] an impressive display of pure rapping ability and irresistible grown and sexy grooves” — Bandcamp
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