We Speak R&B

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

Published

3 years ago

February 9, 2023

Don Reed

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

The Alxandr Returns with Smooth New Single “Tender Love”

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2026

Joni Jones

Award-winning R&B artist The Alxandr returns with “Tender Love,” a groove-led reinterpretation of a beloved classic, out now. The track marks the first release from his forthcoming album Without Further Ado and signals the reemergence of an artist stepping back into music with clarity and confidence.

Before stepping away, The Alxandr built an impressive career throughout the 1990s, earning three Top 40 singles including a Number 1 hit in the UK, alongside major recording deals with Elektra Records / Warner Bros. Records and EMI / Capitol Records. At the height of that success, he chose to leave the industry behind to focus on raising his children.

Years later, encouraged by his daughter, he returns under a new name and perspective. The Alxandr reflects not just a comeback, but a reinvention shaped by experience, independence, and time away from the spotlight.

His musical roots run deep. Raised as the son of a preacher and a classical pianist, he grew up singing a cappella in a church where instruments were not permitted and secular music was off-limits. By high school, he had found his way to the piano on his own, developing a natural ability that would quietly influence his songwriting and sound.

That foundation carries into “Tender Love”. Inspired by the iconic songwriting and production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, The Alxandr approached the track with a clear vision.

“I always loved the writing and production from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and this song was beautiful and lush. So I started experimenting with a version that would have more bounce and groove. That was the birth of this remake.”

The result is a warm, rhythm-forward take that blends smooth vocals with a laid-back, feel-good groove. It respects the original while giving it new movement and energy, inviting both longtime fans and new listeners into the experience.

At its heart, the song tells a simple and relatable story.
“A man that has a feminine, kind and loving woman. She’s away at the moment, and he can’t wait to see her”, The Alxandr shares.

More than a single release, “Tender Love” represents a new chapter. After years of writing and performing away from the spotlight, The Alxandr returns with intention and a renewed sense of purpose. His message is clear. It is never too late to come back to what matters most.

With Without Further Ado on the horizon, this release sets the tone for what is to come. The Alxandr is back, and this time, he is moving on his own terms.