With an entrancing voice as golden as honey, there is an uncanny power to every square inch of Rudie Edwards' being. Drop dead gorgeous with a sultry yet playful flair, the London-based artist has already ignited a flame in the music business writing for the likes of CeeLo Green and Erik Hassle, just to name a few. Whilst one would assume that penning songs alongside mainstream giants would entice her to follow a particular pop formula for her own music, Edwards has proven out the gate that not only has she crafted her own sexy sound that can compete with anything on the charts, but as an artist, well...she isn't like anyone else.
Red Rosamond immediately commands attention - visually striking red hair, a stark beauty and a distinct, classic elegance possessed by past starlets. With all of her positive physical attributes, when she opens her mouth to sing, you began to understand that she is more than just good looks, but rather a vocal powerhouse whose voice blasts with soul and emotion. The Los Angeles-based artist first gave the world a grandeur introduction with her song 'Looks Can Kill', an epic pop meets shimmering soul tune that was technically fitting for a major motion picture. Her latest single 'Damn' continues her streak of mountainous production and lifting vocals, all containing a timeless flair. It would be an understatement to say that Red Rosamond will completely dominate music, but to watch the process will be a part of the joy.
Bern, Switzerland-based Dani Sarda and Rico Baumann make up the dynamic group TRUE. Both seasoned jazz musicians, the team have brought their sleek craftsmanship to the sound of electronica, resulting in a stylistic melting pot of various moods, tones and genre, cooked into their own seasoned dish.
In the 90s emcees such as Roots Manuva and Blak Twang helped to establish worldwide credibility of Hip-Hop coming out of the UK. Whilst delivering clever lyricism and stories coming from an English perspective, the next generation of British rappers completely and unapologetically kicked open the door, playing by their own rules. This lot of lyricists included acts such as Ms. Dynamite, Sway DaSafo, J2K and of course Incisive. Hailing from West London, Incisive has been on a steady mission of bringing forth the best Hip-Hop music possible, proving more than equal to his respective counterparts across the Atlantic.
Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Marc Sethi
Change is inevitable, but it’s how one …
Nova Twins play by their own rules - no musical restrictions, no visual restrictions, just pure freedom of expression. The South London-based pair comprised of Amy Love and Georgia South are the now generation of rebel rockers carrying on an organic punk ethos and a sound that is shaking up the industry.
Whilst Nova Twins set the tone of their sound performing a track titled 'Bad Bitches' back in 2014, the duo kicked open the door with no apologies last year with their raging single 'Bassline Bitch'. Punchy with aggression, the track's impact hit with full force, propelling a wave of excitement around the group. Nova Twins quickly began making rounds on platforms such as BBC Introducing, London News and more. They were championed at BBC 6 Music and established support by iconic brands such as Underground shoes.
New York City band Manic Pixi reflects the very example of what it means to take varied musical influences, place them in a blender and stir them together, with the outcome being a true collage of styles married in perfect union. This is also a testament to their family-like environment that has been instrumental in the group’s groundwork rising and progression. Comprised of vocalist Kat Hamilton, Marshall Biever, Emmett Ceglia and Drew Bastian, Manic Pixi is everything great and hopeful about the new sound of alternative and pop punk.
Stockholm's Ängie may boast a physical beauty synonymous with her country, but as a music artist she is far from the typical lighthearted pop songstress. Equipped with a bad girl swagger, the tattooed, marijuana-loving vocalist has already begun to shake things up with her debut single 'Smoke Weed Eat Pussy'. The rumbling drum & bass meets trap bit is practically an anthem for stoners and cunnilingus connoisseurs, and at the very least, those who simply love a party-starter of a track. Already tipped to be a fire-starter this year, Ängie currently has us lifted in her hazy, smoke-filled aura.
NYC band High Waisted is probably having more fun than you...fact. With a sound that blends surf, pop and garage rock, the foursome is everything that one would dream a rock and roll band to be. Releasing their album 'On Ludlow' in March of this year, the group have astonished fans and critics alike, racking up praises in various publications including NME, Nylon, Vice's Noisey and more. The truth is, whilst there are the visuals which depict a bold wildness, High Waisted are a band that know music, and know it incredibly well. With Jessica Louise Dye delivering masterfully controlling vocals with entertaining and at times edgy content, the band's sound is stylistically lustrous, gripping the attention of the listener from beginning to end. In terms of live shows, the bring energy to the umpteenth degree, which is why they are presently one of the bands that is on everyone's radar.
Adian Coker is what one would call the perfectly balanced emcee. With the ability to let-off bars for days with clever metaphors and punch lines, he also possesses an in-depth skill of storytelling which allows the listener to form vivid pictures whilst being musically transported throughout the journey. There is also the element of accessibility. Coker's songs cross both the underground and mainstream with sheer dignity and a quality level that blows everything else out of the water. With his latest EP 'Connect' poised to be one of the best releases of 2016, Adian Coker is clearly out to dominate not only the Hip-Hop landscape but music as a whole.
