MUSIC ROUNDUP: September Releases 2021
Featuring Nimbus Sextet, LVRA, Man Must Die, Koatz & more.
The SAMA music roundup is back for September! This month we dive into 10 tracks with funk from Digital Liquid, eerie electronic pop by Philomenah, hooky jazz by Nimbus Sextet and much more. Subscribe now on Spotify; @officialsama
In October we will be announcing details of the 12th edition of Scottish Alternative Music Awards, which will take place in November and celebrate artists from across Scotland.
For now, grab a cuppa and lock yourself into this playlist. ☕️
In alphabetical order, words by Ewan MacDonald.
Aiitee - On My Way
Recently nominated in the SAY Award longest for her album Love Don’t Fall, as well as an appearance alongside Chef at HANG, Scottish R&B artist Aiitee has been trailblazing through the local hip hop scene the past year with her personal brand of Afro-beat and modern hip-hop sounds. On My Way from the latest EP Better Days, is a sleek and soulful track that goes right in for the kill with its undeniable pop-fused hooks. Aiitee showcases her powerhouse vocals as she winds melodies up and down the synth hooks.
Digital Liquid - Footsteps (feat. Joe Malik & Beldina Odenyo)
The start of a new project from Joseph Malik and Beldina Odenyo (Heir of the Cursed) & Digital Liquid begins with Footsteps. A mysterious and enchanting track that is as equally soulful as it is groovy. The rubbery basslines lock in with the drums to form a rhythm so tight it’s impossible to be released, as the vocal of both Malik and Odenyo cruise through the track like the heart and soul of this groovy machine.
Georgie Cecile’ - Goodbye Love
Receiving Best Vocalist at the 2019 Scottish Jazz Awards, Georgia Cecile is at the forefront of the recent wave of UK based jazz artists. With support from BBC Introducing and Jamie Cullum’s show on BBC Radio 2, Cecile’s latest album features Goodbye Love and the wondrous modern jazz singer sound she has been honing over her career. The piano waltzes around her carmel-smooth vocals, as the string section adds an extra layer of gracefulness.
Koatz, Edz - Gods Timing
Soft synths open the new track Gods Timing from Scottish rapper Koatz, but things soon kick into gear when the beat drops. Koatz has an impeccable flow that is intercut with flickers of auto tuned vocals. Edz jumps on the track to do a verse alongside his contemporary as the slick instrumental powers on underneath.
LOTOS - ‘The Ends’
Edinburgh-based, Nigeria Born LOTOS has been tearing up the UK hip-hop scene for years, earning a SAMA Nomination in 2020 for her hard work. With the full length LP Renaissance, LOTOS get to flex their creative muscle, particularly on The Ends which see’s a snarky yet thoughtful attack at those who doubt what LOTOS can do. Merging a hard hitting beat with a sing-a-long hook to produce yet another banger for the masses.
LVRA - PLS Dont
Making waves across the country with her live performances at King Tuts supporting Scarlett Randle and a slot at the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds festival Rachel Lu, known as LVRA (loo-rah), has been turning heads with her gorgeous brand of alt-pop. Ahead of her upcoming sophomore EP ‘TWO’, the single PLS DONT is a big song with subtle charms. The enveloping production is enough to draw you down the wormhole, then with the added layers of vocals and synths just adds to this already fascinating take on pop music.
Man Must Die - Bring Me The Head Of The King
After a short break until the release of 2019’s Gagging Order EP, Glasgow technical death metal band Man Must Die have returned with a brand new song. Bring Me The Head Of The King is a ferocious, immovable object that produces punishing riffs. With each riff the track does not let up as vocalist Joe McGlynn growls and screams commands at you. With an appearance at Damnation Festival in Leeds marking their return to the stage, Man Must Die will be a must see band.
Nimbus Sextet - Lowrider
Immediately infectious as each instrument builds into a tight groove, Glasgow-based contemporary jazz outfit Nimbus Sextet create a timewarp of jazz fusion on Lowrider. Sounding as if it should belong in the smoky jazz clubs of the 70’s, the band managed to bring in modern elements to create a unique sound. Filling each beat with a viral groove and melodies that pull you in further and further as the song progresses.
philomenah - aphrodisiac
Formerly known as Smut, this debut release from the R&B singer signifies a new era as philomenah. Aphrodisiac coats its stark subject in a slick, sultry slow-jam acting as the sweet to counter the bitterness of an abusive relationship and all the complexities that come with that. Working with RJ Cherry to create this intoxicating track with the thumping drums of a hip-hop track blended with the enticing R&B instrumental and vocal runs.
VLURE - Show Me How To Live Again
With the announcement of their second ever hometown headline show, VLURE are more than ready for this grand return. The latest single acts as a teaser for the blistering live set they have become known for. Show Me How To Live Again is an unstoppable force of sonic fury, right from the opening synth bass lines the track ignites in a storm of electronia infused post-punk.
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