We Speak Music
Afronaut Zu features on Jessica Wilde’s transformational album title track ‘Teach Me How To Love’!
“Such an incredibly multi-talented artist, every time we see her name in our inbox we get very excited!”- Jess Iszatt BBC Radio 1
Singer, songwriter, rapper and producer Jessica Wilde has released her highly anticipated, soul touching, empowering and thought- provoking sophomore album ‘Teach Me How To Love’, with the amazing Afronaut Zu featuring on the title track.
Wilde fully utilizes her authentic expression through this powerful and truly unique body of work, where she bares her vulnerability on a personal journey of deep inner healing and an exploration of love for self, others, life and God. Authentically expressed though her soul searing, raw, raspy and heart hitting singing which Jess fuses with her sharp-witted rap & spoken word with undeniable South London grit.
Wilde, now four years sober, has openly shared her experience, from her debut project (2023) where each of the songs were like confessional diary entries, laying out brutally honest lyrics in her unique and original Wilde way, taking us on a ride of life through addiction, toxic relationships, escapism to a place of self-empowerment, self-love and living sober.
Wilde’s new album ‘Teach Me How To Love’ reflects all the inner work she has committed to that has brought her out of the darkest times of her life. Wilde has ventured on a spiritual path which took her on a transformational solo adventure from the concrete jungle to the Amazon Jungle and which gave the seeds of inspiration for this new chapter of her musical expression to take fruit.
In her recent interview with Carrie and David Grant on BBC Radio London she said: “The phase now is really feeling a lot more self-love, love for life and really wanting to uplift people with my music and spread the frequency of love”.
The new album project features some of Wilde’s close friends and incredible artists in their own right Josh Barry (Nile Rodgers, Gorgon City), Zoe Kyrpi (Black Coffee, David Lazarus), James Newman (writer of Rudimental’s Brit award winning song ‘Waiting All Night’ with Ella Eyre) and Afronaut Zu who’s raw and husky vocals are heard on the title track ‘Teach Me How To Love’. Zu is also a part of Steam Down Jazz collective and Rudimental. Wilde not only penned the tunes of the album but also co-produced it with producer and right hand man Tom Maine (Wu-lu, Ego Ella May).
Having released five singles in the lead up to the full album drop, Wilde has gained an immense amount of loyal and continuing support across BBC Radio from taste maker DJ’s, including Radio 1’s ‘Future Artists’ with Jack Saunders, Jess Iszatt on both Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, Multiple BBC Radio London shows, including a recent in studio live performance and interview with Carrie and David Grant. She has also gained support from John Kennedy on Radio X, editorial playlist features across the board with Apple, Spotify, Youtube Music, TIDAL, Amazon and US Radio and streaming platform Pandora, plus also press acclaim from 1883, Clash Magazine, Complex, The Independent, Wonderland, The Daily Star and many more.
This summer is set to be Jamm packed, with Wilde hitting the stages of Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Camp Wild Fire and Soul Town festival where she’s opening the main stage for legends Earth, Wind and Fire. Not only is the festival season popping off, but Wilde is also set to headline Lower Third on 17th July for her album launch show, in collaboration with soul pioneering platform ‘Global Soul’ and Wilde’s very own PxSSY PWR platform.
‘PxSSY PWR’ is a platform Wilde created as a response to the disparity between support for male artists compared to female artists. The residency at Hootananny Brixton has become a hub and major platform for some of the most exciting underground female, non-binary and queer artists, including sold out shows with the likes of Etta Bond, IYAMAH, Zoe Kypri and Tamaraebi to name a few.
We Speak Music
Kendra & The Bunnies Challenges the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” Stereotype with New Single, “Manic Pixie Nightmare”
Kendra Muecke of Kendra & the Bunnies is back in the spotlight with her latest release, “Manic Pixie Nightmare,” a single that confronts and defies the traditional “manic pixie dream girl” (MPDG) trope. Known for her genre-blending sound that fuses rock, pop, and elements of folk, Kendra has built a reputation for delivering music with powerful messages of self-love and authenticity. With “Manic Pixie Nightmare,” she takes her message a step further, encouraging fans to embrace their individuality and break free from societal constraints.
The term “manic pixie dream girl” refers to a cinematic trope that presents quirky, free-spirited female characters as a muse for male protagonists. In her new single, however, Kendra reclaims this character as a figure who refuses to be boxed into anyone else’s narrative. Instead of living for others, Kendra’s “Manic Pixie Nightmare” character lives for herself. The track tackles complex themes of self-discovery, self-worth, and rejecting external expectations, reflecting Kendra’s evolving artistry and commitment to empowering messages.
The song combines catchy guitar riffs and a punchy beat with lyrics that are both rebellious and introspective. Kendra’s bold vocal performance gives life to lines that challenge listeners to live authentically, making “Manic Pixie Nightmare” both an anthem for personal freedom and a critique of narrow, limiting labels. As Kendra puts it, “Chasing love can lead to heartbreak, but finding yourself? That’s where the magic happens.” Her message has struck a chord with listeners, as early feedback shows fans responding strongly to the song’s empowering themes.
Adding a visual layer to the single, Kendra released a music video shot on the Los Angeles subway, specifically on the line running from North Hollywood to Hollywood Blvd. The video shows Kendra journeying through the subway with friends, symbolizing the process of self-discovery amid an ever-moving world. Set against the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the video highlights her message of forging one’s own path and finding meaning outside of societal pressures. The subway scenes create a relatable setting that complements the song’s themes of independence and authenticity.
Kendra’s new single has already received positive feedback from music critics and fans alike, who appreciate her willingness to challenge conventional stereotypes while providing an upbeat and fun musical experience. With this release, Kendra is not only solidifying her presence in the indie music scene but also expanding her audience. “Manic Pixie Nightmare” has caught the attention of fans who are eager for music that speaks to personal empowerment and breaking free from limiting narratives.
Kendra Muecke continues to push the boundaries of indie rock-pop with “Manic Pixie Nightmare.” By taking on cultural archetypes and reframing them, she’s giving listeners a fresh perspective on self-identity and personal freedom. As she continues to create and evolve, fans can expect more music that doesn’t just entertain but also inspires critical thinking and self-reflection.
-
We Speak Music1 week ago
Tony DeYoung: Defying Doubt, Redefining Success
-
We Speak Actors4 days ago
The Indomitable Dr. Meleeka Clary: A Beacon of Resilience and Hope
-
We Speak Jazz3 days ago
A Conversation with musician, BRANDON MEEKS | MUSIC THERAPY & MOTIVATION with Gino Black
-
We Speak Events3 days ago
Young Atlanta’s 12th Annual Fashion Exhibition