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
Shelana Azora and Richandell Turn Betrayal Into Power With Bold New Single “Can’t Trust”
What happens when trust is broken but you find yourself stronger on the other side? Shelana Azora and Richandell (pronunced Ree-SHEN-dul) explore that moment of clarity on their powerful new collaboration “Can’t Trust”, a soulful R&B and hip-hop fusion built on honesty, confidence, and moving forward.
Blending Shelana’s emotive vocals with Richandell’s smooth, rhythm-driven production, the track captures the shift from heartbreak to self-respect. It’s vulnerable without being defeated, turning disappointment into a reminder that knowing your worth can be the ultimate comeback.
Produced entirely by Richandell, “Can’t Trust” showcases his ability to create a space where emotion and groove exist side by side. Drawing from R&B, hip-hop, and global influences, the production gives Shelana room to deliver a performance that feels both intimate and fearless.
For Shelana, the track represents a new chapter built around confidence, boundaries, and embracing every part of her artistry. Moving between singing and rap, she brings the honesty and energy shaped by years performing in London’s vibrant music scene.
The collaboration began with instant creative chemistry during a studio session in Amsterdam, eventually leading the pair to record at the legendary Wisseloord Studios. What started as a spontaneous connection grew into a cross-border partnership built on shared vision and trust, even if the song itself is about losing it.
With “Can’t Trust”, Shelana Azora and Richandell prove that some of the hardest moments can create the strongest music. It’s a song about betrayal, but more importantly, it’s a song about reclaiming yourself.
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