Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Following the explosive release of first ever single ‘So What,’ described as a ‘buzzy, gobby banger’ (Sunday Times), with praise from the likes of Annie Mac, and storming stages across London with TGE First Fifty and a Colours party headline last night, Noisy release their second single ‘Do It Like That’. “We always knew we wanted Do It Like That to be a performance video, with big energy. Our mate Tommy found a car park in Ilford and we shot it the next week and had the final cut two days later! We knew exactly how we wanted it to look from the off. So gassed to release it into the world!” ‘Noisy is what Noisy does: a three-piece hybrid of hooks, beats and escapism. Formed in the seaside town of Worthing, they take the spin-the-bottle sensibility of the playlist generation and make music with no boundaries. Watch ‘Do It Like That’ here: https://noisy.lnk.to/diltvideopr Listen to ‘Do It Like That’ here: https://noisy.lnk.to/diltpr Comprised of singer/rapper Cody, guitarist...

Today Norwegian pop sensation Sigrid releases the first new music since her critically acclaimed debut album Sucker Punch, writing original song ‘Home To You’ for the motion picture The Aeronauts, starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.  Directed by Tom Harper, the film shines a light on feminist and pioneer Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) – the daredevil balloon pilot who teams up with ground-breaking meteorologist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) – to advance human knowledge and fly higher than anyone in history.  The sentiment of the importance of ‘home’ resonates with the 23-year-old BBC Sound of 2018 winner, from the tiny coastal town of Alesund in Norway, who has travelled the world and become one of the biggest breakout pop star of the last few years. Following a 5-week American tour, Sigrid is back in the UK next month to begin her biggest headline run to date: playing Ireland’s 3Arena on 22 November to London’s Eventim Apollo on 4 December. Tap link List...

When one speaks of M.I.L.K., one thinks of Denmark, his honey's voice and his nonchalant pop. M.I.L.K. is also two EPs, futuristic songs, a modern artist in phase with his time that has more than 15M streams.   After having unveiled projects internationally recognized by the critics (Rolling Stones, NME, CLASH, Liberation ...) and after collaborating with remarkable artists (Benjamin Biolay, Blondage, Nemir ...), the Danish prodigy returns with a new single "So Far So Good". A real summer anthem with a video shot in Denmark and on the Swedish coast.   "So Far So Good" highlights the singular​ sound of M.I.L.K.   Track has been produced by Doug Schadt (Magggie Rogers ...), mixed by Erik Madrid (Khalid ...) and mastered by Dave kutch (The Weeknd, Solange ...). M.I.L.K. NEW SINGLE 'SO FAR SO GOOD' WAS RELEASED ON MAY 31st TAP HERE TO LISTEN

The Ends Festival (Lloyd Park Croydon) is almost here! Island Records has some amazing artists performing over the weekend including Damien Marley, Masego, Donae'o, Sneakbo & Miraa May. The Ends Festival 31st May, 1st and 2nd June. Scroll down for Island Records Artist Bio's.. Island Artists 👀👀👀 Damian Marley Damian Marley . The youngest son of Reggae legend Bob Marley, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley garnered his own place in music history when he became the first ever Reggae artist to win a GRAMMY outside of the Reggae category, taking home an award for Best Urban/Alternative performance for his title single, "Welcome To Jamrock." In addition the acclaimed 2005 breakthrough album, also entitled Welcome To Jamrock, won the GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album. Damian followed Jamrock with the hugely acclaimed album "Distant Relatives", his collaboration with hip hop legend Nas. The album spawned the anthemic single "As We Enter...

Following on from MIO's debut EP 'So what do we do now?', the Swedish newcomer drops new visual release, 'Live from the Safehouse' – out today via Island Records. This release finally lays bare the male artist behind the project... each track sees MIO push his vocals to the forefront again, with the familiar fluid and accessible lyrical style that we've come to expect. With a new alternative live version of 'With Love' (lifted from the debut EP So what do we do now?'), alongside a cover of The Weeknd's 'Shameless', it feels like this latest release is just the beginning of something incredible for this rising talent. Plenty of things about this exciting new artist feel like dealing with a mystery, but at the heart of MIO is a multi-disciplined approach as a non- conforming pop artist. MIO was raised in a small town in the north of Sweden and was obsessed with music and everything around it...that journey led to his debut release ...

Hailing from the suburbs of Auckland, 19-year-old artist Bene releases her latest single “Evil Spider”. Off the heels of her breakout alt-pop moment “ Soaked with over 17M global streams, the up and coming singer songwriter is set to come to the UK next month, playing her first London headline show at The Waiting Room on 5 June, and performs at Omeara and Bushstock Festival. Bene today also announces her debut EP is set for release on June 28th.   Bene says of new single, “‘Evil Spider’ is about wanting someone that’s already taken. When writing the song, I didn’t wanna make the lyrics too obviously evil, so I thought I’d turn myself into the spider, making it a lil lighter and making the song revolve around me weaving webs to lure the person, catch ‘em like a spider then reel them in. I remember humming ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ in the studio, which inspired the playful vibe of the song.” Bene has emerged as New Zealand’s artist to watch with her chart-topping hit “ Soaked ,”...

Skip Marley, the Island Records reggae prodigy, releases the official music video for his new buzzed about song “That’s Not True” featuring Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley (his uncle, and youngest son of Rasta icon Bob Marley, Skip’s grandfather). “That’s Not True,” is Skip’s first original music release since 2017 with more music to follow this year including his collaboration with Major Lazer titled “Can’t Take It From Me” – due May 10. The Andrew Sandler directed music video shows Skip cruising around the Little Haiti neighbourhood in Miami hanging with his friends, the locals and of course his Uncle Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. “That’s Not True” kicks off a promising new year of amazing music for Skip. SKIP MARLEY FEAT. DAMIAN 'JR. GONG' MARLEY  "THAT'S NOT TRUE" OFFICIAL VIDEO AVAILABLE NOW WATCH NOW ABOUT SKIP MARLEY “I don’t really think about how I want to be perceived by people. They have their own projections. I just want them to see me a...

When you hear that an Owl, a Fox and a Cat walked into a room together, you’d probably think it’s the start of a bad joke; but in the case of DJ/Producer trio MDNT, this is where their musical journey began. Brought together through a shared love for all things nocturnal; MDNT make music for the star-gazers, the party-goers, the insomniacs, the skateboarders, the gamers and everyone in between, collectively known as "The Creatures of the Night". “When the 9 to 5 is going to sleep, we are just waking up.” Heavily influenced by pop culture, hip hop and fashion, MDNT set out to create timeless, tongue-in-cheek anthems that resonate with the youth of today. Their introductory offering, Kanye Loves Kanye aims to promote self-empowerment, self-love and love for others and is an ode to one of their favourite artists Kanye West, who they believe epitomises self-honesty, self-worth and self-belief. Featuring Artists are Rose Villain & Sixpm. Rose Villain Originally from M...

After lighting up the airwaves and clubs across Europe this past summer with this debut single, ‘Le Cheval’ returns to 2019 with a huge bang by releasing two killer new dance floor weapons ‘Café Patron’ & ‘Forrest Gump’. The new release follows his 2018 breakout single ‘Fandango’ which went on to be remixed by HUGEL, D.O.D, and SAMMY PORTER and received radio support from Radio 1, KISS FM and Rinse FM. ‘Café Patron’ & ‘Forrest Gump’ sees the new star of the scene showcasing his production talents again by creating two thumping house hits with hammering basslines & abstract vocal hooks that are guaranteed to be the soundtrack of the summer in clubs and festivals alike. Le Cheval believes a track needs warmth, humour, a massive chunk of house, a smidge of afrobeat and healthy slice of arrogance. This perfect blend is defiantly felt in these two anthems in the making. His production is influenced by some of electronic dance music’s biggest acts including Daft Punk...

North-West London’s finest Donae’o marks his triumphant return with the release of his brand new single ‘The Party’s Over Here’ on April 16th via Moving Anti/Island Records. Written and produced by Donae’o in collaboration with singer, songwriter and producer Shakka, ‘The Party’s Over Here’ is the second single to be taken from his forthcoming debut solo album; with Island Records, which is slated for release in the final quarter of 2019. The follow up release to his 2017 mixtape ‘Sixteen’, “The Party’s Over Here” features production heavyweights such as Take a day trip and 1st of FKI, to name but two. The single follows the massive smash hit ‘Chalice’, which featured Calvin Harris as well as US Superstar XO artist Belly. ‘Chalice’ remains one of most played hits on national radio over the last six months. Donae’o has achieved great success as one of the most culturally significant musicians in British urban and pop music. For many years now, the musical ‘swiss army knife’ has been s...

The Australian singer songwriter is also set to play his biggest UK headline tour this month, adding a second Shepherds Bush Empire headline on 16 April and regional shows due to popular demand. April 15 London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire SOLD OUT April 16 London O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire April 18 Glasgow SWG3 April 19 Manchester O2 RITZ BUY TOUR TICKETS HERE   LISTEN TO ‘A PLACE WE KNEW’ ALBUM HERE WATCH DEAN PERFORM ON JIMMY KIMMEL HERE Dean Lewis catapulted into the UK top 15 with the Platinum selling “Be Alright”, racking up 350M global Spotify streams, before dropping the stunning new single “7 Minutes”. Bittersweet memories of past romance is the thread that runs through the 12-track debut LP, “All the songs were written through relationships I’d been in and houses I used to live in and hotel rooms,” says Lewis. A trip to the UK in 2016 saw Lewis team up with producers Edd Hol...

On the heels of releasing her highly-anticipated debut EP, 'AMWIN in Wonderland', Swedish artist on the rise AMWIN has dropped a stunning visual for her lead single "Dua Lipa" . Produced by Carl Lehman and Carli Löf, the song departs from the blonde stunners signature sass and showcases a beautiful depth and vulnerability. AMWIN shared, "I wanted to make a song that's just about straight up being in love with someone. No compromising. No playing it cool. Just straight 'I love you, I love you, I love you. Please don't break my fragile heart'." For the "Dua Lipa" music video, Grammy nominated director Nicolina Knapp wanted to show an expression of the internal struggle of falling in love. She brought to life a concept of being overwhelmed by the feeling of love and so fearful of ending up heartbroken you try to escape that feeling by shutting down. Not giving that person the power to mess up your mind. Knapp transports the viewer ...

March 29th, marked the release of Swedish artist on the rise AMWINs highly-anticipated debut EP, 'AMWIN in Wonderland'. A collision of pop, hip-hop, and electronic soundscapes, AMWIN collaborated with songwriters/producers like Carli Löf (Robyn, Galantis), Jay Weathers (Not3s, Jacob Banks), and Carl Lehman (Liam Payne, Panic At The Disco!), adorning each track with otherworldly beats and luminous textures and her own madcap vocal twists. While much of AMWIN's material embodies a certain restless attitude, lead single "Dua Lipa" unfolds as a full-tilt love song, a magnificent bop built on her heart-on-sleeve lyrics. The EP then drifts into an edgier mood on her first three singles "DeLorean", "Living Mistake", and "Uber" - which caught support from Hypebae, Highsnobiety, Clash Magazine, MILK, and more. When asked about the inspiration behind the project, AMWIN shared, "This EP lets you in to the ambivalent mind of a young wom...

Fresh from performing his new single ‘Stay Awake’ on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and being named Apple’s global Up Next Artist earlier this week, Dean Lewis today releases his highly anticipated debut album A Place We Knew. The Australian singer songwriter is also set to play his biggest UK headline tour next month, adding a second Shepherds Bush Empire headline on 16 April and regional shows due to popular demand. Dean Lewis catapulted into the UK top 15 with the Platinum selling “Be Alright”, racking up 350M global Spotify streams, before dropping the stunning new single “7 Minutes”. Bittersweet memories of past romance is the thread that runs through the 12-track debut LP, “All the songs were written through relationships I’d been in and houses I used to live in and hotel rooms,” says Lewis. A trip to the UK in 2016 saw Lewis team up with producers Edd Holloway and Nick Atkinson at The Barn studio in North London, a partnership that not only led to ‘Waves’ , 4 x Platinum ARIA singl...

BAFTA Rising star nominee Jessie Buckley, one of the fastest rising actors in cinema, looks set to take the music world by storm as the star and voice of the gritty, inspirational and heart-warming film WILD ROSE. Written by legendary country star Emmylou Harris, “Born To Run” is the second song to be lifted from the “Wild Rose” OST (April 12). The accompanying video finds Jessie in her element performing this anthemic song which is central to the film’s narrative. “Born To Run” soundtracks a key moment in the film and is performed by Buckley with passion, verve and genuine vocal prowess. Adding a new string to her bow Jessie got so involved in the music and the process that she ended up writing six of the album’s songs with the film’s Bafta winning writer Nicole Taylor and has since performed the songs live. The Original Soundtrack will be released on Island Records on April 12 th , the same day the film hits the screens in the UK. Starring alongside Julie Wa...

Today Sigrid announces her biggest headline tour to date commencing in November 2019, performing at London’s Eventim Apollo and 3Arena in Dublin, alongside huge regional venues. The Norwegian pop star is set to release her highly anticipated debut album Sucker Punch on 8 March, and continues her A-List record success with the defiant single ‘Don’t Feel Like Crying’, which Sigrid performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night. Fans can get priority access for tickets on the pre-order link below, and tickets go on general sale on 1 March. The 22-year-old’s epic songs are tales of the unexpected; fearless musical collages and shout-outs to human resilience, starting at the piano in Norway, “There’s a certain grace to heartache”, says Sigrid, “A sort of…epic grace! I like good, heartfelt pop songs,” which is the foundation of Sigrid’s extraordinary debut Sucker Punch. Sigrid’s rebellious pop was catapulted into the public consciousness with the zeitgeist defining ‘Don’t ...

ARIANA GRANDE  thank u, next ALBUM OUT NOW Tap to listen here 👀👀👀 PREMIERES  “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” MUSIC VIDEO Tap to watch here thank u, next Tracklisting: --------------------   1. imagine 2. needy 3. NASA 4. bloodline 5. fake smile 6. bad idea 7. make up 8. ghostin 9. in my head 10. 7 rings 11. thank u, next  12. break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored

ARIANA GRANDE RELEASES "7 Rings" -----------------   Listen Here   Watch Music Video Here   "7 rings" Lyrics: Breakfast and Tiffany’s And bottles of bubbles Girls with tattoos who like getting in trouble Lashes and diamonds ATM machines Buy myself all of my favorite things Been through some bad shit I should be a sad bitch Who woulda thought it’d turn me to a savage Rather be tied up with calls and not strings Write my own checks like I write what I sing My wrist Stop watching My neck Is flossy Make big deposits My gloss is poppin You like my hair? Gee thanks, just bought it I see it I like it I want it I got it yuh I want it, I got it I want it, I got it I want it, I got it I want it, I got it You like my hair? Gee thanks, just bout it I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it Wearing a ring but not cause I’m no mrs. Bought matching diamonds for 6 of my bitches I’d rather spoil all my friends with my riches Think re...

Norwegian pop star Sigrid has just released the defiant new single ‘Don’t Feel Like Crying’, ahead of her highly anticipated debut album Sucker Punch, out 8 March 2019 on Island Records. The 22-year-old’s epic songs are tales of the unexpected; fearless musical collages and shout-outs to human resilience, starting at the piano in Norway, “There’s a certain grace to heartache”, says Sigrid, “A sort of…epic grace! I like good, heartfelt pop songs,” which is the foundation of Sigrid’s extraordinary debut Sucker Punch. Sigrid’s rebellious pop was catapulted into the public consciousness with the zeitgeist defining ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’; the certified-Gold ‘Strangers’, A-List record ‘High Five’, critically lauded RAW EP and new single ‘Sucker Punch’. With performances at The Royal Variety Show, the Nobel Peace Prize and headlining Brixton Academy under her belt, Sigrid undertakes her biggest support tour to date with George Ezra in March, playing arena’s including O2 London. We have...

Today Miraa May releases her second video ‘Nobody’, filmed by friend Mahaneela (Sampha, Steve Lacy) as a montage of Miraa’s enlightening trip to LA. The personal VHS home video feel and the surrounding LA backdrop capture Miraa’s positive policy of self confidence: “I wanted the video to be extremely inclusive. My main goal was for people of all races and religions to feel represented and appreciated, and to shed light on positivity because the world has been so dark recently. It was starting to suck the life out of me. I also wanted to showcase how beautiful happiness is. When I watch the video I feel happy,” says Miraa in an interview with Notion. ‘Nobody’ is lifted from Care Package, the 5-track EP which introduces a new artist who will make you move, think, laugh, cry and feel. The Algerian born, Tottenham based singer-songwriter takes inspiration from the north London streets where she grew up, from the friendships and the experiences of a life lived. In 2014 Miraa May deb...