Connect with us

We Speak R&B

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

Published

on

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

Rising Star Soleil Shines in “Rubbish” Music Video

Published

on

Photo by Ariel Opal Fieldman (@fieldmanworker.jpg)

New York native singer-songwriter and DJ Soleil fed listeners’ hearts and souls with “Heart Strings.” The silky soulful record was met with much acclaim. The songstress continues the momentum with a new R&B/Soul single, “Rubbish.” “Rubbish” is stylistically in the same vein as “Heart Strings,” but it leans more into Blues and Funk. Soleil’s velvety, impassioned vocals are put on full display. 

“Rubbish” is an empowering breakup anthem that places great emphasis on reclamation, self-love and self-worth. The vulnerable yet brazen song masterfully utilizes introspective/extrospective and tongue-in-cheek lyrics to deliver a palpable, resonating message/story. “The song is about waking up to the lies that we convince ourselves to believe; what begins as a story of unconditional love and loyalty unravels into the realization that empty promises, mixed signals, and emotional neglect were never love at all.” Soleil continues: “‘Rubbish’ captures the moment that self-doubt transforms into self-respect. It is about taking out the emotional trash, reclaiming your voice, and refusing to carry someone else’s nonsense any longer.” 

The accompanying music video for “Rubbish” elevates the song’s cinematic tone. The visual’s golden-hued landscape harmonizes perfectly with the Retro Soul soundscape. The video, directed by illustrious filmmaker Riccardo Solorzano, features Soleil on set and performing while also depicting her on television screens. The mesmerizing, chic music video oozes assured confidence.  

Continue Reading

Trending