You didn’t know about MALIKA

I first heard MALIKA’s sound earlier this summer, when she sent me her latest single at the time ‘Run’. Since then MALIKA has been play listed on multiple UK Radio stations and her latest single ‘I Live’ has gained over 4,000 listens on Soundcloud, in just over a week. MALKIA is bringing classic R&B sounds with a 2017 twist. With London finally appreciating the female R&B artist with starts likes Ray Blk and SZA rising to the top, it is only a matter of time until MALIKA is right up there with them. Have a listen to her latest single ‘I Live’ and hear from MALIKA herself….

Describe your sound in 3 Words.

Soulful, 90s, Swag

Why is music so important to you?

Music has the ability to change your mood. The words and melodies can make you feel something or take you back to a moment in time, and there’s something powerful about that. I’m not actually sure where I’d be without music, it’s been such a massive part of my life from being a child growing up. It’s basically a key part of my identity.

When you think about your biggest dreams, where does your mind take you?

Everywhere and anywhere – from the BRITs to the GRAMMYS, to international tours to performances in the Royal Albert Hall. I really would love to win an Ivor Novello Award – I love the art of songwriting and as a songwriter, winning an Ivor would be a real accomplishment for me. And when it’s all done, you will find me poolside sipping a Mojito on some tropical island somewhere just chilling! Haha.

Hindsight’s a bitch, what do you wish you could of learnt earlier?

Everything but at the same time nothing, I don’t really have regrets. I think everything happens for a reason and in its time. If I had to chose something to regret I wish I kept up the piano and guitar; vocals are a great instrument but there’s something about just writing to guitar and/or keys. It’s like your able to get your idea over in its simplest form with a simply key or note, which is such a special thing. Most of the greatest songs ever written start on a single instrument.

I like you man, where do I go to check out more?

I like you too!  You can catch me on all social media as @hernameisMALIKA. Also: Soundcloud for the music, twitter for the words, Instagram for the pictures and Snapchat for the videos. Facebook has everything else.

Spotlight Track:

I first heard this spotlight track performed live and it was mental! The way the audience responded to this banger, with its catchy hook, by the end of the performance everyone was screaming reload.

ALICAÌ HARLEY – Gold

Alicai Harley originally released ‘Gold’ on her Soundcloud, managing to fuse her Carib roots with a London vibe. After over 50,000 plays she decided to officially release the single last Friday and its had a great response, already getting radio play.

Alicai Harley said – ‘Gold’ was initially the last song from a weekly campaign I was doing every Tuesday for my fans called ‘ Hot Shot Tuesday. ‘Gold’ is a catchy feel good song that makes you want to move. It fits in the dancehall category, however its got that uk/urban touch to it, that fits in with most DJ’s playlist. The song is a flirtatious conversation between a man and a woman, referring to who gets the ‘Gold’.

Alicai (Alla-Kai)​ Harley also known as the ‘Hot Shot’ is originally from Kingston, Jamaica, which is why her sound is incomparable and manages to fuse R&B, Hip Hop, Dance-hall and UK Grime. Alicai blends the genre lines so much that and she has been credited for creating the genre “Grime & Blues”.

Alicai Harley is also set to release her next banger ‘OTW’ and I envision her making a big impact on the music scene. So, stay up to date @AlicaiHarley  (Twitter)

Lets Go:

Who wouldn’t want to be in sunny New Zealand, especially when London Summer has been basically Autumn. But you don’t have to catch a flight, you could just pay £5 and join Koder and the gang in Shoreditch…..

LDNZ is back tomorrow night at the Old Blue Last! Presented by Omniprsnt the 4th LDNZ (London to New Zealand) has an epic line up including Koder, JR James, Keyah Blu and more! Plus its hosted by the beautiful and talented Nina Rose. 

Koder who is massively involved in the project has a strong following in New Zealand as he previously performed there. Now he is creating the experience right here in London town and he’s bringing along a strong crew of artists too! If you have ever seen Koder live you will know the level of energy he brings into any space, so you can guarantee the line up will just add to that vibe.

You can still get your tickets  but places are limited so hurry! And I’ll see you down at The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch tomorrow from 7:30pm.

ST

Xx