Music

Bleu Cloud – Summertime Dreams

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

New sound of Soul Bleu Cloud launches first half of 
two-part album ‘Blue Magic’ 

BRONX, NY – A new sound in Soul is making its way onto the scene from up-and-coming New York artist Bleu Cloud. Her latest two-part project “Blue Magic” is the kind that propels young artists on the global stage with its signature sound and throwback vibes that immediately have listeners thinking of legends like Lauryn Hill, Anita Baker and even Prince.  

Bleu Cloud is a 24-year-old R&B and Soul musician, singer, songwriter, producer, violinist, composer and overall artist who was born and raised in The Bronx. In her words, she “came out of the womb singing” and has been living a life that’s bathed in music. She started playing violin and composing music as early as third grade and hasn’t looked back since. Following the footsteps of her DJ father and singing mother, young Bleu Cloud has created a unique sound and style that is reintroducing Soul and Disco into R&B in ways that are timeless and very much needed in this day and age. 

That sound takes center stage on “Blue Magic. The first of the two-part project was released this summer and features four songs that have a distinct 80s or 90s Soul feel while also introducing progressive twists that are current. Though groovy enough to be dance songs, these singles aren’t the kind of club-bangers that have people bouncing on the dance floor. They’re more groovy, feel-good songs that make listeners sway and smile.  

“Everyone is kind of doing the same singing style of R&B these days, and I wanted to bring the soul back into R&B,” Bleu Cloud said. “I like to listen to Anita Baker and Whitney Houston and neo-soul artists, and I’ve taken their sound and created music that I would want to listen to. At the end of the day, I want my music to be associated with love, not sex, but the kind of love that makes people happy and brings joy to life.” 

Two singles from the EP have been getting some major attention since its release. The first is “Make It Last” which has a definitive island vibe with an almost Reggae or Bossa Nova beat that pairs perfectly with her layered vocals. Bleu Cloud’s ear-candy harmonies showcase her soulful side eloquently and invite the listeners into a smooth vibe that entices them to just sit back and chill. The other is “Show and Tell” which is a slow-jam dance track that Bleu Cloud said was an attempt to give people something to two-step to at the club. Her light, airy vocals create an ethereal vibe that is chill and laid-back while also being wavy in ways that make the listener want to sway and move.  

Bleu Cloud said the second part of the “Blue Magic” project is slated to drop in December or January.  To listen to her music or to follow her on social media, please visit: 

twitter.com/llbleuzel  

Instagram.com/llbleuzel/ 

“Blue Magic” 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/blue-magic-ep/1525151227 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4H5RCbomy6e02YWusUUeJe?si=gq2gRIavRe24yiWv9GZAbA 

“Show N Tell” (Body Rock)  

https://music.apple.com/us/album/show-n-tell-body-rock/1525151227?i=1525151232  

 https://open.spotify.com/track/0lky03V4pk5jqnr7Z4QKmS?si=bj3tcn_vSoqVqnV3e7S2cw 

Khalmplex – Frank White

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Timely EP from deep-thinking rapper Khalmplex challenges perceptions and encourages the youth of the world to ‘Ascend’ beyond stereotypes 

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The lyrical depth found on the new EP from South Texas rapper Khalmplex certainly lives up to the promise of his name. With double entendres and witty wordplay, the six songs on “Ascend” weave a complex web – but that doesn’t mean it’s inaccessible. In fact, this up-and-coming artist from San Antonio said this is perhaps his most relatable project to date.  

Khalmplex’s journey in music started at a young age but really took off at age 17 when he and his best friend were signed to a small label in San Antonio. He recalls getting in the booth and spitting a verse and the record execs telling him that his writing was too complex. He didn’t know any better – he was just trying to emulate his favorite rappers. When he threw out a second rap he’d written, they told him it was even more complex than the first one. Instead of walking away from that vibe however, it’s something that he’s embraced. His career has consisted of deeper songs that use words with double meanings and encourage listeners to consider a different point of view. He’s also known for his energy, and again, his name speaks toward that calm before the storm. That energy is put on full display with the six songs on his new EP “Ascend.”  

“This is me trying to focus on the heavier side of music,” Khalmplex said. “There is a lot of double meanings in the stuff I do, and I wanted to push the idea of rising above what’s handed to you. Everyone born of poverty is beat up on and there’s an attitude of ‘this is what it’s got to be.’ But you can change your attitude and decide to rise above and be whatever you want to be.” 

The project starts with the first of three skits featuring rising star Jackboy of Sniper Gang Entertainment, making way for the first single “Ascenion” which Khalmplex describes as a sample of what he’s feeling during this current time of history. He’s venting frustrations while also setting the stage for the rest of the EP. This makes way for “In Danger,” a song that examines the inner struggle of the age-old angel on one shoulder and demon on the other. He said people will often point out the flaws in your life and tell you that you’re in trouble. But with this song, he’s flipping that and saying, “I’m not in trouble, I am the trouble. I’m turning the disadvantage into an advantage.” 

The third and fourth songs on the EP are the most transparent and personal to Khalmplex and were inspired by the recent loss of his older brother. Song three is called “11:11 (Be Great)” and song four is “Frank White.” The former features slower guitar riffs and auto tune vocals in soulful ways that help listeners feel the desperation many artists feel when their backs are against the wall.  

“Sometimes it gets to the point where you ask yourself why you’re even doing this when everyone is against you,” he said. “My answer to myself was that I wanted to be great. I’m using the gifts I was given and the tools I was given to create something better than what I see in front of me. It’s basically me pushing back and saying I’m not doing this for nothing. The idea for the name of it came as I was struggling with the loss of my brother. I kept seeing repeating numbers everywhere – all ones or all threes. And I read something that said 11:11 is when God sends a calling to his angels. It’s time to get to work. The term for it is the call to the light keepers, and that’s something I wanted to embrace. It’s a song that leads directly into ‘Frank White,’ which was the name of a fictional character in the film ‘King of New York.’ In that story, someone is trying to take the reins and rise to the position of boss because they just lost their general. That’s what I’ve had to do since my brother passed. So this is a song of me announcing a position of power and calling all my people to follow me and I’ll take us where we need to be. It’s a heavy song, for sure, with more of a gothic Rap feel, but I think people will dig it. We shot a video for it and put a lot of work into. It’s more of a get-up-and-go type of song with a sense of empowerment than anything else.” 

The project ends with the songs “Crime Stories” and “No Investors,” the first of which was done in collaboration with Houston Rapper Juan Gotti out of the SPM camp. “No Investors” finishes the EP with a challenge to the young people of the world to rise above their station in life and don’t complain about the hard things that have been handed to them. Instead of complaining, he said, get to work and don’t let anyone else tell you what you can be.  

“Nobody can stop you and tell you no,” he said. 

To listen to Khalmplex’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://khalmplex.com/ 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvcMVVuLclJMNfYB1SgrfuQ 

https://www.instagram.com/khalmplex13/   

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/khalmplex/1467852808  

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6cDAIW4IfjT6uf6U3aPpyu?si=6H0BJ2pHSEKlY-2URksClg 

Champeon – Jam Remix

Blog, Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

‘Jam Remix’ from Trinidad and Tobago artist Champeon is the perfect party song for the summer 

COLUMBIA, SC – The sounds of the islands paired with upbeat vibe and an overall party spirit are on the hot new track from East Coast artist Champeon. His “Jam Remix” is the perfect kind of summer song to get people up and on their feet during quarantine as it hearkens back to better times while promising good times yet to come.  

Produced by frequent collaborator Jelani of Studio 23 Music Group, the song features guitar work from Tito Monaco – an artist from Nairobi, Kenya – and keyboards from Chify Jay – a Nigerian musician. Written and performed by Champeon, the song’s upbeat vibe has been making the rounds globally for the past couple of months and is getting quite a bit of attention from fans and industry insiders alike. 

“It’s a song that gets you in a great mood,” said the artist whose origins start in Trinidad and Tobago before coming to Miami and eventually landing in South Carolina. “The lyrics and the instruments put you in a good place. The song came about when we were fooling around in the studio talking about how when quarantine is done we can’t wait to get back in the club and dance with some females. We ended up creating a sound that basically takes you to the party.” 

A music video for the single has also been released. Directed and produced by Victor “Bigg Vic” Newton of 2026 Multimedia Studio, the video perfectly captures that summer party vibe by following Champeon as he meets a young lady, and the two started jamming to the music.  

Champeon has had a long journey in the music industry. What started as a passion for Soca music while living in Trinidad and Tobago grew into a love for other genres – specifically Hip Hop as he moved to the U.S. When he moved to South Carolina, he joined a group from Miami called Absentee Crew. In 2002, Champeon got the opportunity to open at a show that featured T&T Soca artist Sanell Dempster. That performance put him on the map, and he hasn’t looked back since.  

While working to establish his presence on the Soca scene, he began to explore what he could with his love of Hip Hop. Out of that experimentation came “Jam,” which he describes as a crossover Hip Hop track. 

“‘Jam’ was inspired by my free-spirited nature,” Champeon said. “Despite all the disappointments in life, I still have fun regardless of the situation. The song captures that and gives you the feeling of wanting to dance with a lady – it’s a feel so unreal that you have to put your hands up. At the end of the day, I want to create music that people can relate to. A party song is something anyone can relate to, but I’m doing more motivational songs, as well, to make you think a little bit more. Mostly, I want to reach out and capture people’s attention and give them a good time. Life is short so we gotta enjoy it. It’s all about just having a good time.” 

To listen to Champeon’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.therealchampeon.com/
http://twitter.com/therealchampeon
http://instagram.com/therealchampeon
http://facebook.com/therealchampeon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F4YN2HH
https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1526090746
https://tt.linkedin.com/in/therealchampeon
http://reverbnation.com/therealchampeon
https://www.n1m.com/therealchampeon
https://therealchampeon.bandcamp.com/track/jam
https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Champeon_Jam_Remix_Remix?id=Bmtajrxkohouliyoz5rjtgx6d5m&hl=en_US

Mississippi’s Jay Jefé drops off his first single “Stargazing” from the upcoming “Humble 4 What” project

Music

Gulfport’s rising superstar Jay Jefé drops off his first single “Stargazing” from his upcoming album “Humble 4 What”
Stream Humbl3 EP http://smarturl.it/jayjefeh3

Stargazing Official Video https://youtu.be/oi2rWb7pQmY

Stay Connected
Booking [email protected]
Website URL: www.jayjefemusic.com
Twitter @jayjefe228
Instagram @jayjefe228
Facebook link: http://facebook.com/jayjefe228

Silly Boi holds it down for the Trap with single “Bike Gang Stepper” | @sillyboi727

Music

When you grow up in unfavorable conditions, you learn how to hustle & Survive. The streets are hungry, and anybody is on the menu. It’s do or die in the world the streets call the trap.

Silly Boi representing Saint Pete, FL understands this all too well. Teaming up with Trap A Holics who hosted his single “Bike Gang Stepper”, give you all raw material, hard lyrics on a head knocking beat.

Silly Boi is all action and no talk, to understand his focus you need to get a taste of “Bike Gang Stepper”. This is exactly how you feed the streets.

Instagram: @bikegangboss
Twitter: @sillyboi727

https://soundcloud.com/sillyboi727/silly-boi-bike-gang-stepper-hosted-by-trap-a-holics

 

Swim – Paranoia

Blog, Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

Swim’s new single ‘Paranoia’ is the perfect song for 2020 

LOS ANGELES, CA – Punk Rock meets Pop and splashes of Hip Hop for the perfect West Coast summer vibe from fast-rising artist Swim. His single “Paranoia” is the perfect kind of rapid-paced guitar-driven track that immediately puts listeners in a groove while also diving into feelings and emotions that many are feeling during this time of global pandemic and cultural upheaval. Currently streaming across all digital platforms, “Paranoia” is the kind of song that listeners won’t be able to get out of their heads. It’s destined to be added to millions of playlists and listened to on repeat.  

Like most of his songs, Swim’s latest single was created organically. In the midst of social distancing, he found himself sitting alone at home and frustrated with the trappings of his current situation. Like many others in the world today, the negative news continued to fill him with thoughts of paranoia, and the outflow of those emotions created this new summer jam. 

“It’s how I feel – paranoid of the world and the way it is today,” he said. “It’s a song made from how I felt in the moment. I like Pop music, and even if the words are less enthusiastic, I wanted it to have a Pop feel to it. The guitarist, Lorenzo, is a producer and friend and usually when we work together there’s a great combination of both of our spirits together in it.” 

Born in Philadelphia, Swim was raised outside of Newark, Delaware and lived in Baltimore before moving to LA to pursue music. He attended graduate school at the University of California, Irvine and is currently pursuing a PhD in comparative literature. This artist, rapper, writer, theorist, philosopher and part-time fashion designer is a deep thinker who loves to take inspiration from a wide variety of places. His music in particular is inspired by Pop-leaning artists in the Hip Hop and Punk genres – from Drake and Lil Wayne to Kanye West, Kid Cudi, The Dangerous Summer, The Wonder Years and Emarosa. Out of those influences, he has created a genre-bending style that he describes as “Goth Pop” or “songs for the dope and hopeless.” 

“I grew up in a weird place in the world and it definitely influenced my sound,” he said. “I really love music – all music. To a certain degree, people are very territorial over their genre, but I just really love music that makes people feel something, whether it’s good or bad. I’ve always wanted to be a songwriter and as a PhD student in comparative literature, the things I do sometimes when I’m thinking are closer to what I do when I’m making music. I go with the flow of not trying to be defined by things – which is what my name is about. Swim is believing in the soul that is moving with whatever track I’m making. If I like it, I’ll make a song to it because I like it and it fits. I don’t expect people to know me but if there’s something I’d like to be known for, it’s being a good songwriter.” 

Following “Paranoia,” Swim said he’s working on an album called “The Wretched” which should drop either by the end of this year or in early 2021.  

To listen to Swim’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://twitter.com/iamswimsoul 

https://www.facebook.com/swimsoulmusicpage/?ref=bookmarks  

https://www.instagram.com/iamswim_/  

https://soundcloud.com/iamswimmusic

KC Beck – The Machinist

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Country rocker KC Beck rides wave of success with single ‘The Machinist’ 

AUSTIN, TX – A rocking new country song is making the rounds across the U.S. from Texas-based artist KC Beck. Inspired by a fellow soldier with whom he served in Iraq, Beck’s “The Machinist” is a “hell of a fight song” that motivates listeners to keep pushing on through the hardships of life.  

KC Beck is the rare musician who has served in the U.S. military and put his life on the line for his country. Few artists of recent memory have actually served or set forth in a combat zone. Serving from 2003-2007 in active duty, then again as a contractor in Iraq from 2007-2010, Beck is a disabled veteran who has parlayed his struggles into an outlet of music. Upon returning from Iraq, KC discovered he had lost most of his memory and began begging for help from the VA. Repeated requests to President Obama and then President Trump’s administrations finally paid off, and over the past few years, he’s been making a recovery. Out of that recovery has come new music. 

KC’s song, “That’s Just Me” was used in the independent films “50 States” and “A Horse with no Name.” His music has been featured in Texas Music magazine and on two compilation albums. And “The Machinist” is currently charting on the Texas Regional Radio Report for 30-plus weeks.  

“I wrote it for a buddy of mine that I was in Iraq with,” KC said. “His brother was diagnosed with cancer while we were over there, and it turns out my grandpa passed away from the same cancer just two years ago. His brother was a life-long machinist and is still alive and fighting the cancer. My grandfather was someone I really respected. He gave me steady hands and passed his guitar on to me. So in a way, it’s a song for both of them.” 

KC said “The Machinist” is a good example of how his music takes the energy of combat and the pain of being a disabled veteran and mixes those emotions with a little Midwest country and Texas sound. Having drawn comparisons to legends like Garth Brooks and Luke Combs, KC’s sound is the kind that stands out.  

“I’m just a hardcore, rough-around-the-edges guy,” he said. “I have no songs that are boring. Everything is high energy. When I play music, I’m all over the place. Pain sucks but music is the thing that cures the pain for the couple of minutes that I’m playing.” 

In addition to “The Machinist,” KC is also preparing to drop another single called “You’re the Reason Why” this fall. It’s a song originally written by Country greats Byron Hill and John Rich, the latter of whom did the original demo for the song. Byron Hill personally gave KC permission to use the song, reconnecting with him after originally talking about the song 10 years prior.  

To listen to KC Beck’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0XTVvpwLxR0PGIHe3aQHCG 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1gB7waS7-776z3o5UzvOUg 

[Single] Hard Nard – The Same [Prod. Nard Kidd]

Music

Hard Nard talks about real life, real feelings and knowing who is real. Check out The Same, Prod by @nardkidd

Available now

https://open.spotify.com/album/658H4nzDPJlyNrzGOhbGB7?si=8ArIIqGTS2WJXQV6-u0BRg

https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-same-single/1511310899

https://www.iheart.com/artist/hard-nard-30044378/songs/the-same-100704173?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false

Stay Connected on IG @GrindHardNard

Stony SOS – Slime

Blog, Mixtapes, Music

Stony SOS creates perfect single for getting high  

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Stony SOS loves the chill feeling of a good high, and his latest single not only captures that feeling perfectly but also creates an ambiance for listeners that is perfectly primed to help others enter into that zone.  

The song is called “Slime” and its slow-tempo bouncy beat pairs perfectly with Stony’s flow in an up-and-down rolling way that creates the perfect form for smoking weed. The song starts with an ethereal wood flute that introduces Stony’s catchy vocals before welcoming in a high-hat that makes the listener bob their heads while following along with Stony as he rides the beat.  

“It’s more of a chill song because I’m a stoner and that’s how I make music,” Stony SOS said. “I make music for stoners and my music is chill. With this song, I heard the beat and I just started writing. What I’m talking about in the song is chillin and smokin and just being you as a person. I’m a free-spirited person, and that’s what this song is about.” 

At only 24 years of age, Stony SOS has already started making a name for himself along the East Coast. Originally from Philadelphia, Stony moved to Jacksonville as a teenager and began to explore his natural gifts for music. He was inspired by legends like Lil Wayne and Young Thug because of their creative talent and ability to say whatever they want to say without worrying about anyone else. He eventually started making his own music because it made him feel free and helped him escape from reality – something he said he hopes to be able to do for others with his music. 

“I want to help others like me whose outlet is music,” he said. “It’s all about being free, man. My music is about making people feel good – whether they’re sad or depressed or normal mood. When my music comes on, they feel it, and it will give them energy.” 

Stony said he’s currently working on a music video for “Slime” which should release before the end of August. He’s also hard at work on the finishing touches for another single called “Rockstar Drip” which is slated to release later this year. Both songs were produced by Jay Ji Beats whom Stony said he works with frequently. 

To listen to Stony SOS’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/allbusinessstony/ 

https://www.facebook.com/stony.paris/