ROUGH ONLINE BEST MUSIC OF THE WEEK #10

M.I – Runaway

Born and raised in East London, alternative R&B singer/songwriter M.I has gained a following over a number of years, after being crowned winner of BBC 1’s television series, Pitch Battle alongside her vocal group Leeds Contemporary Singers. Now, on the path to crafting a sound that is a true reflection of herself as an artist, M.I has taken influence from Willow Smith and Rukhsana Merrise for her release ‘Runaway’. Featuring a smooth R&B vibe with M.I’s flawless vocal delivery, ‘Runaway’ is about escapism and wanting to get away from all your troubles with someone you want to spend all your time with. Powerful, smooth and uplifting, the track is a testament to M.I’s sheer talent.

Leon Markcus – SXW

Chua Jun Rong, Leon, better known as Leon Markcus, has been singing since he was 15 years old. A Singaporean singer-songwriter who is known for his eclectic sound of pop music, his latest release ‘SXW’ features US artist Kotic Couture. With Leon’s soft vocals and the electro infused beat, the track is a feel good bop. A breakup anthem about Leon’s own encounters with Fxckboys, the track is powerful and although written from personal experiences, it discusses an important universal topic and the openly queer musician is upfront about his identity, providing inspiration and breaking chains within the music industry.

 Miller Blue – Cotton

Producer and songwriter Miller Blue set himself on a musical journey of self-development, exploring gneres and noting his influences of RnB, Hip Hop and Jazz within his sound, resulting in an overflow of soul in the music you now hear. In reflection of a turbulent and transformative year, Miller Blue has just released his self produced debut EP ‘Cotton’. About his growth as a person over the last 4 years, the EP is rooted in his childhood and touches on different aspects of his life since. From love to lust, to friendship to mental health, Miller Blue demonstrates courageous honesty and compassion on ‘Cotton’.

 Nimino – Back Up ft Harrison Mayo

Milo Evans, or nimino, is a London-based talent making lusciously deep, hip-hop infused electronic music that sits ahead of the curve, akin to the likes of Mura Masa, SG Lewis and Cosmo’s Midnight. With each track he releases, you hear more dimensions of a sound both freh and distinctly his, and ‘Back Up’, the first taste of his upcoming EP ‘Vara’, continues that trend. Leaning into a more summery and upbeat pop atmosphere, nimino unites with emerging singer and artist Harrison Mayo for soulful infusion of contemporary themes.

La Bouquet – Sad People Dancing

La Bouquet, consisting of Bryan Sammis (formerly of The Neighbourhood), Jake Lopez and Drew Bruchs, syphon bedroom-rattling R&B falsetto through post-punk soundscapes, their gorgeously melancholic single ‘Sad People Dancing’ gives them a head-turning edge that demands to be heard. Presenting a unique and powerful sound, the track features impeccable vocals and sets the tone nicely for their upcoming full length album, which is set for release on March 29th.

Jack Hawitt – Grow

The London-based, alternative pop songwriter / producer’s debut single ‘Be The One’, a hauntning cover of Dua Lipa’s hit, was released in 2017 and featured on Love Island and X Factor 2018. Now, he is back with his new release ‘Grow’. From ruminating electronica to R&B tinged vocals, the track will instantly tug at your heartstrings. With flawless vocals taking centre stage, ‘Grow’ is a hauntingly beautiful track that cements Jack Hawitt as a serious musician.

SCWARTZ – Outside Looking In

Berlin-based SCWARTZ (aka Meyer de Voltaire) is film music without film and orchestral spheres with electronic beats. United by rare courage to great emotions, the atmospheric density of the sound that SCWARTZ create is reminiscent of electronic pioneers like Woodkid, Moderat or Thomas Azier. Fans of Hurts or Depeche Mode should feel at home. SCWARTZ create a powerful sound with ‘Outside Looking In’ which gives them a head turning edge that demands to be heard.