By Nate Mills – The music industry is worlds away from where it was before the digital era. 20 years ago, the notion of kickstarting a music career with limited resources and no record label wouldn’t have been practical for most, but nowadays it’s common practice. More and more artists are being self-sufficient or signing to small indie labels rather than the majors (Sony, Warner and Universal), with the rise of the internet and digital platforms such as iTunes, YouTube, Spotify and TikTok now making this a more feasible option, and some of the best music out there today comes from these artists. In this recurring column, we’ll be uncovering and highlighting 10 hidden gems to listen to from talented independent musicians.
Audira – “I Miss A Friend”
Audira, the Nigerian-born, UK-based artist, has once again graced the music scene with his latest single, “I Miss A Friend”. This soul-stirring track showcases Audira’s evolution as a musician, blending Afroswing and dancehall vibes to create a captivating and emotionally charged experience for listeners. “I Miss A Friend” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of relationships and the inevitable drifting apart from friends. The song reflects Audira’s personal experiences of leaving friends behind due to leaving Nigeria, offering a heartfelt perspective on the value of those connections.
Von Graves – “CHURCH HURT”
US songwriter, producer and Christian hip-hop artist Von Graves, hailing from Columbus and based in Atlanta, has just dropped his latest single, “CHURCH HURT”. The track is a captivating blend of aggressive beats, poignant lyrics and a new-age Christian hip-hop vibe that marks a powerful departure from conventional music in this genre. “CHURCH HURT” is lifted from Von’s new album, For Heaven’s Sake, which is currently available in a limited release format, with the full deluxe edition set to arrive in early 2024. “CHURCH HURT” is more than just a song; it’s a thought-provoking and honest commentary on some of the challenges faced within the religious community, delivered with a fresh musical perspective.
JRDee – Walls Of A Cocoon
JRDee, the innovative rapper and guitarist hailing from south-east London, is making waves in the music industry with his debut album, Walls Of A Cocoon. This compelling hip-hop album offers a fresh sound and thought-provoking lyrics, establishing JRDee as a rising star on the UK rap scene. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists, JRDee has forged a unique path in the music world by seamlessly blending influences from both US and UK rap cultures. His music is characterised by intrinsic flows and lyrical prowess, tackling relatable yet deeply personal themes like introversion, the exhaustion of striving for success and the observations of everyday life.
Blinky Bill – “Dracula”
Multitalented producer, artist and DJ Blinky Bill from Nairobi, Kenya, has just released his latest musical creation, the electrifying single “Dracula”. This African hip-hop anthem not only showcases Blinky Bill’s exceptional talent but also carries a powerful message of empowerment and social consciousness. The single is accompanied by an equally remarkable music video directed by CJ Pixels. Blinky Bill has already released two critically acclaimed albums, We Cut Keys While You Wait and Everyone’s Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales. And fans can expect his upcoming album, We Cut Keys 2, at the top of next year.
Black Fuchsia – Continue
In an exhilarating collision of talent, rapper DiLLY and DJ/Producer Monk converge once again to unleash the sonic force that is Black Fuchsia. Following the debut track “fauna” and the stellar EP Cotton in 2021, the dynamic duo from Knoxville, Tennessee, are back and ready to captivate the world with their new EP, Continue. Black Fuchsia’s musical tapestry weaves a delicate yet powerful balance between the soft and hard edges of hip-hop, presenting a compelling exploration of rap’s diverse dimensions. Their sound, a fusion of dynamic flows, thought-provoking lyrics and confident deliveries, allows them to stand out in the crowd. The duo sidesteps conventional beats, opting instead for a harmonious blend of deep-hitting drums and creative melodies that seamlessly meld into each other, crafting mixes that are both distinctive and meticulously polished.
Pharaoh Jaxson – “Too Much”
Rising star Pharaoh Jaxson is set to captivate the music world once again with his latest single, “Too Much”. The American-Liberian artist hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, is on a fast trajectory to the top with his unique sound and magnetic stage presence. “Too Much” is a testament to Jaxson’s exceptional talent, blending innovative melodies, captivating cadences and fearless wordplay. The track features the undeniable synergy of Jaxson and his partner in crime, NICE, another gifted artist hailing from the heart of Rhode Island, who enriches the song with profound lyricism and velvety vocals.
Ten Hawkins – The Manuel Garcia Chronicles
Ten Hawkins, the exceptionally talented rising star from Saluda, South Carolina, has released his brand-new album, The Manuel Garcia Chronicles. This electrifying collection of tracks follows the success of his previous single, “Pump 3”. The Manuel Garcia Chronicles is a testament to Ten Hawkins’ personal and musical journey. Delving deep into his own life and that of his father, the album is a fusion of experiences, emotions and stories rolled into one compelling musical narrative.
Buck Marciano – “Slow Beats”
Rising star Buck Marciano, a London-based rapper known for his fierce and thought-provoking music, has just released his latest single, “Slow Beats”. The track, which lives up to its title with its smooth and laid-back instrumental, is a testament to Buck’s dedication to delivering honest and impactful rap music. In a music industry often filled with fabricated content, Buck Marciano stands out as an artist who tackles current issues and delivers music with substance. His latest single, “Slow Beats”, is a reflection of this commitment to meaningful and authentic storytelling.
Kassy K – “Lies”
Rising South African singer and songwriter, Khanyisa, widely known as Kassy K, has just dropped his latest musical gem, the compelling single “Lies”. Born and raised in the western province of Cape Town, the 22-year-old artist has been making waves in the music industry for over four years. Kassy K’s musical journey began in 2018 with the release of his debut project, the FEELZ EP, marking the inception of a career characterised by versatility and innovation. Now, with his most recent project, LOVEYOUNOTLOVEYOU, Kassy K continues to carve his niche in the industry, offering a unique and diverse sound that reflects the myriad of emotions experienced throughout his life.
Young Cardi – ALONE
Monaco’s rising star, 21-year-old rapper, singer and songwriter Young Cardi, who has been co-signed by No Jumper, has just unleashed his highly anticipated debut album, ALONE. Following the success of his previous EP, OUTSIDER, which garnered over 10 million streams across various platforms, Young Cardi continues to make waves in the music industry with this 12-track masterpiece. ALONE is a tribute to Young Cardi’s artistic evolution, demonstrating his versatility and ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level. With a sound that seamlessly fuses various genres and a lyrical authenticity that resonates far and wide, Young Cardi is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
