Shannon Saunders – Sheets

sheets

Listening to the debut track, “Sheets” from Shannon Saunders, you would never guess that the rising young artist from Oxford got her start from YouTube. She joins the likes of other British stars such as Ed Sheeran, who climbed the ranks using the social wizardry of the internet.

With “Sheets,” Saunders achieves an accessible and yet sophisticated torch-esque pop track, backed by a house production. The song also hit number 1 on the HypeM charts this week, so it’s probably safe to say she won’t be relying on self-promo much longer. Stream below.

[GIVEAWAY]: Sam Smith – ‘In the Lonely Hour’ LP

To make your Friday just that much better, I’ve got another Sam Smith giveaway for you! I’ve got a couple of autographed CDs to hand out, and one signed vinyl of Sam Smith’s new album, In the Lonely Hour. To win, leave a comment below or send me a tweet and let me know your favorite Sammy Smith song.

If you haven’t picked up Sam’s new album on iTunes yet, you’re missing out. Reset your week and listen to “Restart” below as you ponder your favorite track.

EVVY – Got Me Movin’

Screen shot 2014-07-01 at 12.05.22 AM

A music insider tipped me off to NY newcomer EVVY awhile back, and since then I’ve been eagerly anticipating the public premiere of her new track, “Got Me Movin’.” Produced by Mickey Valen & The King (aka Chris Wallitsch), the new production duo strike all the right chords with this melodic and shimmery synthpop number. Stream below, and look out for EVVY’s debut EP to drop later this summer.

Jessie Ware – Tough Love

Jessie-Ware-Tough-Love

London’s own Jessie Ware has just released the first single off her as-of-yet untitled upcoming album, the follow-up to her wildly successful debut LP Devotion.

The new track, “Tough Love” was co-written and produced by BenZel, the production duo comprised of Benny Blanco (Katy Perry, One Republic) and Two Inch Punch. Having collaborated with them in 2012 on the R&B cover “If You Love Me,” BenZel know just how to compliment Ware’s lush and soulful vocals with their echoey percussion and synth-swathed production.

One listen to this stunning and sophisticated track will have you “crying out for more” in anticipation of Ware’s sophomore effort, due out August 4th. Pre-order the single on iTunes and follow future album updates on her Facebook page.

Originally posted on Awedio Hub awediohub.com/jessie-ware-tough-love/

Artist Spotlight: Yuna

Yuna-1

If you’ve not yet heard of Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna, I implore you to spend some time getting acquainted with this rising star. Breaking onto the North American stage in 2012 with her self-titled debut, the already internationally-acclaimed artist released her follow up album Nocturnal this past fall.

Filled with velvety vocals and melodic instrumentation, highlights of the album include the sultry song “Falling,” produced by Danish instrumentalist Robin Hannibal of the musical duo Rhye. Watch the video for this enticing, disco-infused number below. Also a standout from the LP is the infectious single “I Wanna Go,” produced by Mike Einziger of Incubus. Check out a refreshing remix of the track by Parisian producer Belarbi below.

Another outstanding interpretation comes by way of Canadian duo Adventure Club with their insanely seductive rendition of Yuna’s earlier single “Lullabies.” Demonstrative, bass heavy and drop-laden, the mix only serves to amplify Yuna’s already emotionally-charged, signature soul-pop sound. Download both of these mixes (for free!) on Soundcloud today, and pick up Yuna’s new album on iTunes here.

Shmallen – “Tell Me” + Queen Bey

schmallen2

On the heels of my best of post, I had to sneak this last one in before the new year. This deep house cut comes from young producer Allen Hansrisuk, or Shmallen as he goes by. Sampling from Destiny’s Child “Independent Woman,” this sexy rework is the perfect track to play at your NYE party, so scoop it up gratis below.

 

And for the idyllic feel-good track to celebrate and reflect on the past year, I leave you with Beyoncé’s “XO.” Happy New Year everyone!

AlunaGeorge – Your Drums, Your Love

I was first introduced to London duo AlunaGeorge via their single “You Know You Like It,” which came out last April (check out the catchy dance remix by Bondax below). The electropop group is composed of vocalist Aluna Francis and producer George Reid (hence the handle). Their addictive new track/EP, Your Drums, Your Love drops today.

life can be cruel if you’re a dreamer
I just wanna have some fun / don’t tell me what can’t be done