We Speak R&B
Notorious B.I.G. producer and co-writer’s new project Short Wave Craft drop modern trip-hop anthem!

Short Wave Craft is a joint collaboration between legendary producer Dominic Owen (Biggie Smalls, Rakim, Seal, Anthony Hamilton, Lil Kim) and underground musician, Tom Carr.
The duo offers clear undertones of soulful R’n’B and Dream pop in their work and after a successful previous single and debut EP are ready to drop ‘I Need You Tonight’ a modern trip hop anthem to strengthen the resolve of mankind after the recent battering of the last few millennia. The duo explains, “It began at the height of lockdown. The song itself and its overriding melodies, are an anthemic cry out for human connection, in times of separation. We were inspired by the idea of infusing traditional trip-hop elements with sprinkles of soul, gospel, and blues.”
Despite the initial inspiration for the track, it has an absolutely positive direction, and the duo go on to explain, “We purposely developed it around continuous movements towards crescendos throughout the music. We wanted it to sound iconic and expansive. There are electronic components, though as always with Short Wave Craft all the main instruments are played live by real musicians. We worked remotely between London and Bristol, sending parts back and forth until the musical narrative was established. After digging up on old blues sample where the man in question calls out ‘I Need You Tonight’ it became immediately clear that this was the marching call that the music needed. We then brought onboard a selection of female vocalists and gospel singers to create a ‘call and response’ platform, complementing his melody line. The fusion of ‘I Need You Tonight’ was complete.”
Short Wave Craft previously got their last single and debut EP ‘Panties & Pickles’ onto some niche YouTube channels that have close to a million subscribers between them and after seeing all the amazing comments in the chat board threads knew they were onto something, and felt inspired to take things to another level in 2023 as they build upon the initial success and reach an even wider audience.
They believe their sound will certainly please fans of artists such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky, DJ Shadow, Air, St. Germain and the likes of Moby, Groove Armada and Morcheeba.
Their overall sound is unique to them however and is the evolution of the pair’s split time between Bristol & London, where they’re deeply plugged into the independent music scenes in both cities, bringing onboard an eclectic range of artists to contribute to their music. Short Wave Craft is a duo at heart, though with a collective mentality and spirit. The incredible history of one half of the duo Dominic Owen is nothing short of legendary having been in Brooklyn at the height of the golden age of hip hop, where in 1993 his musical home became High Class Productions in Brownsville, Brooklyn where he became head engineer and producer. At this infamous studio many of the 90’s Hip Hop legends like Notorious B.I.G, Rakim, Busta Rhymes, M.O.P. Raekwon and AZ would pass through, as well as future R&B giants Anthony Hamilton and Angie Stone. With this sort of legacy and his new partner in crime Tom Carr, Short Wave Craft are clearly building a new wave of unique trip hop, combined with soul and dream pop that is sure to keep 2023 fully hyped as they prepare to come through with a further EP and full length album.

We Speak Music
Kristian King’s Prince Charming: A Soulful Journey of Love, Identity, and Self-Worth

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary R&B and soul, authenticity is a currency that few artists truly master. Kristian King, a rising star from Toronto, has built his artistry on raw emotion and unapologetic self-expression. His latest single, Prince Charming, is not just a song—it’s a heartfelt declaration of self-worth, longing, and the journey to finding love both within and outside oneself.
A Personal and Universal Story
At its core, Prince Charming is an anthem of self-discovery, wrapped in smooth melodies and poignant lyricism. King, a young queer Black artist navigating his 20s, brings a deeply personal perspective to the track, using his music to explore themes of love, identity, and acceptance. “This track serves as a powerful reminder of my self-worth,” King shares. “It’s about understanding that before anyone can be a King, they must first embrace their identity as a Prince.”
This sentiment resonates throughout the song’s lyrics, which paint a picture of searching for something real in a world of distractions and superficial connections. Lines like “I’m in a room with people I don’t like, I’m looking for you in all of the lights” capture the feeling of isolation in a crowd, while the chorus emphasizes the deep desire for an authentic connection.
The Sound of Longing and Liberation
Sonically, Prince Charming is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. King’s smooth, expressive vocals glide over an ethereal R&B-infused production, creating a soundscape that feels both melancholic and hopeful. The track’s gentle instrumentation allows his voice and lyrics to take center stage, reinforcing the intimacy of the narrative. There’s an unmistakable push-and-pull between vulnerability and empowerment, as King shifts from longing for love to recognizing his own value.
The Symbolism of Royalty
One of the most compelling aspects of Prince Charming is its metaphor of royalty. The title itself challenges traditional fairytale narratives—rather than waiting for a rescuer, King redefines the idea of what it means to be ‘Prince Charming.’ The song suggests that before someone can truly step into their power (a King), they must first navigate the complexities of self-love and self-acceptance (a Prince). It’s a message that speaks to anyone on a journey of personal growth, making the track universally relatable.
A Bold Step Forward
Kristian King has consistently used his music as a platform for visibility and empowerment, and Prince Charming is no exception. As he continues to carve out space in the music industry, his work stands as a testament to the importance of authenticity in art. The single also sets the stage for his upcoming project, Delicate, which will further explore the trials and triumphs of young adulthood.
With Prince Charming, Kristian King offers more than just a song—he delivers an experience that is both deeply personal and widely resonant. It’s a reminder that self-worth is the foundation for all love, and that sometimes, the real magic isn’t in finding a ‘Prince Charming,’ but in becoming one for yourself.
Stream Prince Charming now on Spotify and all major platforms and follow @_kristianking_ on Instagram to stay tuned for more as he continues his musical journey.
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