Each week, we feature fresh new releases from emerging and established talent from around the world, these are highlighted on our New Music Spotlight playlist on Spotify, but we also share a handful of artists who are making waves in the “KIMU: On Our Radar” series.
You can read more features in our Music + Culture section.
Angelyse Mariah – Corny Texts
With an intricate flow, and dimensional, cohesive soundscape, Angelyse Mariah shares her perspective on dealing with messages from “corny dudes”. We appreciate the dynamic vocal production, and the fierce and assertive nature of the prose that the rising star delivers.
Fans of Ariana Grande, Kehlani, Rihanna, and Aaliyah will definitely be able to connect with Corny Texts, but it is clear that Angelyse Mariah is creating a universe of her own.
Qwiet Type – My Dear
Establishing the mood with the evocative words, “Wipe your feet before you step into my home, leave your dirty secrets right at the door…”, Qwiet Type opens My Dear with an authoritative vibe, fused with a luscious and elegant electric guitar sonic landscape.
We love the emotive chord sequences, and the artist’s enigmatic vocal timbre. We learn that Qwiet Type’s tracks blend “the mass appeal of enduring pop-rock groups like Maroon 5 and The Police with the anything-goes spirit of eclectic indie groups like Ambulance LTD and Kings of Convenience”, but there is no doubt that what the rising star is creating is unique to his own design.
Miss Polenisia – Now I See
Setting the tone with an elegant acoustic guitar soundscape, Miss Polenisia opens Now I See with intrigue and the situational lyrics, “He wakes up every morning, kisses momma ‘pon her forehead…”
We immediately vibe with the overarching message of the song, which is conscious and empowering. The authenticity that the emerging star delivers with her debut release is tangible, and the manner in which the composition expands is refined and emotive. Speaking on the release, Miss Polenisia simply says, “It’s a R&B, Island reggae feel!”
4nzek – Elysium
Immersing us with a hyperpop adjacent vibe before a subversive and dynamic EDM-hybrid drop, 4nzek opens Elysium with vibrancy and intrigue.
The opus expands with divergent synths and a dance vocal, needless to say, we are mesmerized. We love the genre expansive and euphoric nature of the track, and speaking on the release of Elysium, the talented artist confesses, “I wanted a hook with a simple 90’s Euro-dance progression. The creative process led me to walk the line between established EDM formulas, free forming, and allowing my Rock, Jazz, and progressive influences to be a part of the process.”
Yorke – nimwd
Enticing us with a rippling melody and cerebral textures with vocal add libs, Yorke opens nimwd (which stands for the hook, “never in my wildest…dreams”) with spellbinding prose, intimately delivered.
We love the thought-provoking nature of the opus, and how expansive Yorke’s sound truly is. The enigmatic artist from New York dubs himself “lightskin Jesus” and “Trinidad’s greatest son”, so immediately we appreciate his uniqueness, but it’s the depth of his lyricism which is tangible and allows the rising star to cement his authentic brand of alternative hip-hop.
NEO 10Y – GODDEX
Drawing us in with a refined, psychedelic synth, textured riser, and immersive drums, NEO 10Y opens GODDEXwith luscious, atmospheric vocals as he seductively delivers the opening prose, “Thembo Goddex you made me feel at one, with you… and you think I’m sexy too..”
The opus expands to evoke a tantric vibe as the artist invites us to connect with our inner deity. The non-binary love song is laced with unique themes and transcendental concepts which are designed to help us remember the GODDEX energy within.