THEGUUDS w/ Bert Knox, Aniya Teno, Trey Graves, Bliss Samsa, Lucas, Neema Nekesa, Fernie & Magi Merlin
Bert Knox - “CLOSURE”
New York artist Bert Knox makes his return with “CLOSURE.” On his latest single, Knox reflects on a relationship that ran its course and embraces the final chapter of that love journey. His descriptive storytelling paints a picture for his listeners to comfortably digest his anecdote. This song has a sense of optimism that lingers gracefully, but Knox accepts what’s best for the future, despite holding onto what could’ve been. Knox is known for verses with enriched metaphors and tongue-in-cheek personifications that highlights his personality but he decided to scale it back this time around and allow his melodic cadences to be the driving force. The contemporary production and etheric synth arrangement allowed Knox to write an ode for what was once love. Since last month, Bert Knox has dropped a song consistently every Friday as part of his Age of Aquarius series. Songs like “TODAY” featuring GLENWORLDTOUR and “1800 AFTER 2AM” are a few of the standouts for us. We’re excited to see what else Knox has planned for the future.
Aniya Teno - “Take A Look”
New Orleans-based artist Aniya Teni recently dropped their latest single, “Take A Look.” On their new single, Teno is looking in the mirror and facing reality, breaking down the things she needs to be fulfilled in a relationship and giving her partner the grace they need for not being able to provide that comfort at the moment. This song has the tempo and feel of a 90’s R&B track. The drum pattern meshed against Teno’s vocal presence is alluring. While Teno’s voice is the driving force of the track, it's the self-love and awareness that’s the true beauty of this song. Last year, Aniya Teno dropped a few singles, “Direction” and “Eve” being the most notable. We’re excited to hear what else she has planned for the future.
Trey Graves - “Pure.img”
Memphis, Tennessee artist Trey Graves drops his latest offering “Pure.img.” On his latest single, Graves taps into the blissfulness of life and allows his mind to lead his disassociation for happiness. It feels as if he’s asking his lover to take a leap of faith with him, but whole-heartily understand their hesitation. The flip to Gene Wilder’s “Pure Imagination” was one of the few elements that caught our ears. The production provided by Go Ronnie sets the tone for Graves to create a safe haven for himself and his listeners. The steady funk bass line throughout the track keeps Graves grounded while his angelic vocal arrangements is given a chance to explore gracefully. Earlier this month, just shy of 16-minutes, Trey Graves dropped his latest project Charm, which displays his artistry at a wider scale and close-knit dedication to pushing R&B forward. We’re excited to hear what else he has planned for the future.
Lucas - Caprisun
FL-based artist Lucas returns with another tenacious single, “Caprisun.” This song is exactly what you would expect from a piece with a title like this; bright, fun, and a nice bounce that makes it impossible not to be drawn in by Lucas’s cadences. On his latest single, Lucas provides a jammed-pack verse with witty similes and heavy-sounding consonants that emphasize his intriguing delivery. Being a Massachusetts native and finding his day down in the sunshine state explains the broad spectrum of sounds that holds the song together. Imagine a more melodic Guru over modern experimental hip-hop beats. Lucas holds no punches when displaying who he is currently while at the same time manifesting who he will be in the future. Last month, Lucas dropped “zizou,” and expected to drop a new project, Palm Trees and Fake Smiles. We’re excited to hear what else Lucas has planned for the future.
Bliss Samsa - “Cold Shoulder”
India-based artist Bliss Samsa recently dropped his latest sonic offering, “Cold Shoulder,” to follow up on his debut single, “Father Figure.” On their latest single, Samsa poetically expresses the heartache of losing someone that you once shared a deep connection with. He mentioned dabbling with vices to cope with the loss, but ultimately, his mind continues to yearn for that comfort of love. Produced by frequent collaborator Simon Gardner and UK-based producer bb, the blend of 80’s synth pop and puddly-like bass chords aligns with the emotions that support Samsa’s writing. The ascending production provides an atmosphere for Samsa to explore angelic melodies with an unfeigned delivery. Bliss Samsa seems like an artist that’s not afraid to bend the rules and has the creative courage to try new sounds. We’re excited to hear what else he has planned for the future.
Neema Nekesa - “Lost”
Rotterdam-based singer/songwriter Neema Nekesa recently dropped her highly anticipated EP Lost. The 4-track EP is filled with many gems, but the track that stands out is the title song, “Lost.” On her latest single, Nekesa is honest and takes ownership of not taking a breakup very well. She admits to feeling lost but acknowledges it’s just a moment that will soon pass by. This song feels nostalgic like it's an interpolation of a bunch of late 90’s R&B melodies wrapped into one track. The production feels modern, but it's Nekesa’s vocal presence and melodies that feel familiar in a good way. After you’re done listening to “Lost,” indulge in the entire 10-minute sonic offering.
Fernie & Magi Merlin - “DOLLA BILL”
Montreal native Fernie comes back with their latest groovy tune, “DOLLA BILL,” with Magi Merlin. This song perfectly balances traditional house and modern R&B. Fernie, and Magi Merlin's vocal presence complement each other gracefully. Hearing that this song was sitting on a hard drive for a while until producer Funkywhat brought it back to life for the greater good of music lovers still amazes us. The engaging house-based production allows the duo's carefree mentality to exude without barriers. While this is the first time the two have come together for a collaboration, their solo efforts are making a mark. Last May, Magi Merlin dropped her 90’s house-based project Gone Girl. In 2021, Fernie released their debut project Aurora, which embodied contemporary R&B and soul elements. We’re excited to hear more collaborations from the two.
