The soulful depth of human poetry never loses its true appeal and identity – ideas that are unique because the individual speaking them has never done so before; a boldly personal story, with twists of accessible emotion and reflection that help bridge the gap. British-Nigerian spoken-word artist Temi T dives into the enchanting power of wordplay and artistic expression, with Painted Intentions.
Poetry
Where much of modern music feels the need to fill every moment with sound and noise and something attention grabbing, this project offers creativity and sound the time and space to breathe, and in doing so, offers its audience the same kind of serenity and intrigue.
Collaborating once again with vocalist Stephanie Rodriguez M., Ivano Bersini arranges a solo piano and harmonised vocal choir around In the peace of the sunset – a brief and beautiful ode to the imagery and shared warmth, the serenity and possibilities, imparted by the setting of the sun.
Playful and imaginative music, lyrics simply listing amidst a clean mix of quirky guitar, bass and voice. Michele Ocean continues to carve out a distinct catalogue of original music, with the characterful single Fly Dandelion.
Introducing a compelling collaborative project, an album uniting the depths of contemporary poetry with the limitless embrace of creative production. DJ Jace and R.K. Gandhi join forces to provoke and inspire, with the bold escapism and gripping topical implications of the Red Pill Rhymes Experience.
Bryan Braning was inspired by his wife and daughters to write the songs of Rise Phoenix. The tracks read like poems in many ways, often abstract and provocative, rather than literal and detailed or following specific scenes. There’s a depth to the wonder of each song, and the music backs that up well.
Unity is essential, and a key aspect of Faith – this belief in something more, something bigger, and in better days. The song’s sheer optimism and minimalist approach in contrast to the complex vocal layering all helps let that sense of Faith and possibility ring loud and linger in the mind.
Uniquely breath-taking poetry and acoustic music lovingly intertwined – South African poet and creative Prince Views compels you to tune in closely, with his fearlessly personal, intimate and engaging take on modern spoken-word and audio escapism.
The new EP, A Moment of Deathlessness, presents a first listen that’s captivating for its sense of cinema, its groove, its harmonies and imagery – the presentation and vibe intriguing alone for the creative depth and originality. Then to consider the poetry at its core, this whole project being a tribute to the iconic Emily Dickinson, is to appreciate the finely selected details and stories that influenced such a creative direction.
New music from the poetic and distinct corner of creativity that is Ivano Bersini’s compositions – Love is instantly recognisable as Bersini’s style, but at the same time, this is once again a completely new take on the concept of pairing piano and poetry.
Piano-led and intimate but mildly theatrical – TheEccentricLad delivers a boldly poetic, metaphorical journey, for the organic and evocative Vapors Of Love.
Beautifully complicated, profoundly poetic – Kid Anansi is one of the only albums this year that genuinely prompts a deep-dive listen and repeated sessions with the tracks. The level of thought and smart, sharp wit incorporated throughout each and every story and line is phenomenal, and the delivery is second to none. An absolute highlight from 2024 so far.