Demur Decks 05.04.21 – New Music Playlist
Nick Brewer & Phil Simmonds – Hanging On
UK Hip Hop vocalist, Nick Brewer and critically acclaimed songwriter and producer, Phil Simmonds release their third single together, ‘Hanging On’. This lands ahead of their 5-track EP collaboration dropping April 9th. Starting with a classic Dizzee Rascal line, ‘Hanging On’ represents simple, raw energy. Painting a picture of how his love for words began, Nick Brewer’s effortless, playful lyrics sit on top of a darker, grimier production from Phil Simmonds. Taking listeners on their own musical journey, ‘Hanging On’ is yet another high-quality collaboration between two distinctly talented artists.
“Hanging On is just an opportunity for me to be audacious with my flows and most importantly have fun with them. I start the song with a line from Dizzee Rascal; one of my favourite MCs growing up, and in a short snapshot I gradually paint the picture of how I became an MC” – Nick Brewer
Boris Brejcha – ‘Spicy’ ft. Ginger
Renowned German DJ and producer Boris Brejcha has joined forces with long-term collaborator Ginger on new single ‘Spicy’. A melodic techno track that’s fizzing with refined dancefloor energy, ‘Spicy’ combines driving snares, delicate piano chords and Ginger’s fleeting vocals as it gracefully builds in intensity throughout. The track marks the first in a line of singles planned throughout the rest of 2021, culminating in the release of Boris Brejcha’s new album in November. Boris Brejcha’s first single release of the new year, ‘Spicy’ sees the German maestro doing what he does best.
iLL BLU ft MoStack – Bang Boogie
Multi-faceted London production duo iLL BLU have dropped the hotly anticipated debut mixtape ‘THE BLUPRiNT’ and in line with the release, the pair have also unveiled their new single ‘Bang Boogie’ featuring North London rapper MoStack.
‘THE BLUPRiNT’ showcases iLL BLU’s sonic diversity and features previously singles including ‘Chop My Money’ ft Krept & Konan, Loski & ZieZie, ‘Magic’ ft. OFB (Bandokay & Double Lz), ‘Routine Check’ ft The Mitchell Brothers & Sneakbo and ‘Dumpa’ ft. M24 & Unknown T which have seen playlist adds at BBC 1Xtra and chart positions in the Official UK singles chart. The project also features a host of heavyweight collaborations from some of the freshest UK talent including Wretch 32, Donae’o, Central Cee, MoStack, ZieZie, Sneakbo and more. iLL BLU share: ‘The BLUPRiNT is a musical journey that documents an 11 Year story of the continuous vibes we have invigorated to the people on the dance floor’.
Ghost Killer Track, D-Block Europe & Oboy – Tonight
Ghost Killer Track releases new single and music video ‘Tonight’. The track features rapidly rising UK rap duo D-Block Europe, establishing themselves on both sides of the Atlantic as one of the freshest rap crews in the game, and French prince of mumble rap Oboy. Shot in Paris, the music video takes us into the universe of these four talented artists, which you can discover here.
‘Tonight’ shows how Ghost Killer Track is becoming one of France’s most promising producers moving in the shadows of French rap, capable of collaborating with rising stars from both sides of the English Channel. Having already worked with firmly established French rappers such as Gambi, Leto, Oboy or PLK, he has recently signed to Hall Access. “Tonight” is his first track on the label, one that proves he is an artist to bank on…
THe LYONZ – Push That Way / Animosity
Canadian Duo, THe LYONZ have released the next in their series of new two-track Eps ‘Push That Way / Animosity’. The new EP follows ‘Right Of Asylum / Where I Be’ and may be the pair’s most accessible offering yet as they intensify their outpouring of explorative cosmic hip hop music.
‘Push That Way’ is a shimmering boom-bap banger about how your obsessions can consume you. With a catchy refrain, it transports the listener to neon lit nightscapes, darkly lit vintage coffee shops and jazz bars. Hushed scratchy raps whisper in the ear above a dreamy groove that becomes more and more intoxicating as the track becomes more and more addictive.
‘Animosity’ joins ‘Push That Way’ with a harder more experimental sound, breaking for a superb washed-out saxophone interlude flecked with summer memories. There’s a glow surrounding the track and a restrained heart pumping beat that touch on the spiritually embossed moods of Sun Ra Orchestra. On the track, The Lyonz explain; “Animosity is a burning flower trying to be extinguished; but the hopeful breaths make the fire spread.”
King Kofi – White Boys
King Kofi releases his incredible new track and video for ‘White Boys’. The London artist and storyteller brings us an important and honest commentary on racism in dating as he utters “she only likes White Boys”, something that King Kofi has experienced himself – “The song’s lyrics are partly based on my own experience. I’ve met girls where they have implied they have a certain preference without saying it outright.”
The minimal electronic / indie production nods to the likes of Bloc Party but you can also hear influence from Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreaks. This track pricked the ears of Kofi’s current manager Andy Boyd, who also manages The Libertines and was pivotal in their early success. The subtle yet powerful video sees Kofi singing the track whilst lying in a bathtub as he is gradually and then totally submerged in milk.
KAYOWA – And, Scene
Multi-talented experimental musician KAYOWA drops sung and spoken word single ‘And, Scene’ today. Co-produced by Tommi and mixed by Kayowa herself, the track follows her mighty 2020 launch with debut album and mixtape and is the first of a string of upcoming releases.
Maintaining her fierce, feminine energy and thoughtful introspection heard on her debut releases, ‘And, Scene’ delivers South London native Kayowa’s creative force to communicate her story as an upcoming artist. Unapologetically herself, she highlights injustices in a fun, thought provoking way in her music, with ‘And, Scene’ lyrics directed at her recent personal experiences, having to navigate the music industry as a newcomer, comparing it to a real life video game: “As soon as I heard the beat I instantly thought of Super Mario. The song has a real videogame feel to it. I based the lyrics off of my personal experiences as an independent artist during the first lockdown, and as I recorded it in the studio I started imagining the London music scene as a game, where I would constantly have to collect coins in order to reach the next level” says KAYOWA.
