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Rising Star Makh Drops Remarkable Sophomore Single “Closer”

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Bradford-born Makh is a rapper, vocalist and record producer. Along with creating his own music, he is also a presenter for the BBC Asian Network. Born to Sikh parents but with a multicultural, multi-ethnic family, his music takes inspiration from hip-hop, reggaeton, soul and rock, with sprinkles of South Asian instrumentation, resulting in his own unique stamp on popular genres, such as on his new single, “Closer”.

“Closer” combines elements of hip-hop and R&B and immediately draws you in on first listen with captivating vocals before the rousing beat kicks in. The song is elevated further by its infectious hook, which will no doubt have everyone singing along, and Makh’s candid lyricism about being scared to fall in love.

Elaborating further, Makh says, “It’s a love song but not the typical heartbreak or falling in love story. It’s about someone who really wants to fall in love but is scared of being vulnerable again. It’s about the struggles with letting ourselves be open and trusting again, especially after you’ve been hurt. It’s a real-life situation and circumstance that people face.”

“Closer” is only Makh’s second single after arriving on the music scene with debut release “You What” in summer 2021, but it’s already very clear what a huge talent he is. Starting out the year with a bang, it’ll be exciting to see what else he has in store for 2023 as he positions himself as one to watch. “Closer” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms: https://lnk.to/MakhCloser.

Keep up to date with the latest from Makh via Instagram.

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Marz Starlife Makes A Striking First Impression With Healing

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Every once in a while, a debut comes along that doesn’t just introduce an artist – it reveals a soul. Marz Starlife’s first EP, Healing, is exactly that. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it doesn’t pretend to have everything figured out. Instead, it leans into the messiness of real life – the mistakes, the heartbreak, the isolation – and tries to make sense of it all through music. Born in Jamaica, raised in the UK, and now back on the island, Marz brings a cross-cultural perspective to his storytelling, but at the heart of Healing is something deeply human: the need to reckon with the past in order to move forward.

Across the project’s standout tracks, Marz doesn’t hold back. In Bad Memories, he opens up about years lost to incarceration, fractured relationships, and the weight of regret. “Spent four birthdays locked up, baby remember me please,” he raps, in a tone that’s both matter-of-fact and aching. The production stays subdued and moody, letting the lyrics breathe. There’s no glorification of the streets here, only reflection. He admits to being young and caught up in the chase for fast money, but he also shows growth, making it clear that he’s not the same person he once was. It’s a track that lingers, not because it tries to be flashy, but because it feels real.

The title track, Healing, is where everything clicks. Marz taps into something almost spiritual as he raps, “I turn pain into power, darkness to light.” The song is layered with poetic lines and subtle emotional shifts, balancing toughness with tenderness. There’s a determination to rise above, even when the scars still sting. He reflects on his upbringing, his time in the streets, and the inner battles he continues to fight. “No shrink can understand how I’m feeling,” he says, and honestly, it’s hard not to believe him. The pain here is too specific, too lived-in. But instead of letting it swallow him, he uses it to fuel something greater.

What’s refreshing about Healing is that it doesn’t try to fit neatly into any one genre or narrative. Marz blends elements of UK hip-hop, Jamaican rhythm, and emotional rap into something that feels uniquely his own. He’s not here to be the loudest or the flashiest; he’s here to be honest. And in a world full of over-produced, over-polished music, that honesty stands out.

With Healing, Marz Starlife has given us more than a debut; he’s given us a mirror into his journey, and maybe even our own. Whether you’ve lived through similar struggles or are just someone who appreciates music with depth and heart, this EP is worth your time. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible, and that sometimes telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do.

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