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Millie Mountain Dreams of ‘Divine’ With Femi Temowo

rightchord — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:36:25 +0000

Rising Neo-Soul singer-songwriter and Brit School graduate Millie Mountain returns with new single ‘Divine’, a collaboration with MOBO award-nominated artist Femi Temowo.

Millie Mountain / Femi Temowo – Divine

South Londoner Mountain has been writing songs since the age of 8 years old and has already been supported by radio stations including BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Jazz FM. Her live talent has also seen her support legends including Sister Sledge, UB40 and Soul II Soul.

Divine was recorded in March in Femi Temowo’s studio with an open mind and inspired by a demo recording saved to Millie’s phone. The result was a testament to Femi’s ability to understand the vision and the pair’s ability to throw themselves into the project.

Multi-instrumentalist and producer Femi Temowo has previously worked with artists including Amy Winehouse, The Roots and Soweto Kinch and proved to be an incredible foil and collaborator for Millie, sometimes frequencies just align!

The lyrics to Divine explore themes of self-love and recognise that to appreciate someone else’s love, you’ve got to have your own love first. Mountain wrote the track after a period of isolation when she was bed-bound and feeling lonely. She recalls thinking that the one thing that brought her comfort would be envisioning a time when she would feel the sun shining down on her, and she would be once again absorbed by rays of warmth and laughter. Mountain also drew on past encounters and remembered that Divine feeling of being both appreciated and seen by a partner.

“Divine truly delivers on its name; it’s an evocative piece of neo-soul that warms the heart and will inspire daydreams of better times.”

Divine also firmly cements Mountain’s position as an artist demanding of your ears. If this is your introduction to her music, take time to discover her back catalogue and tell a friend.

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Words Mark Knight

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Millie Mountain Loves And Leaves On ‘Inside Out’

rightchord — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:06:07 +0000

Rising neo soul star Millie Mountain returns with “Inside Out”, a track that reflects on the unravelling of a relationship.

Millie Mountain – Inside Out

Following the critical success of her 2024 debut album Fugitive of the Mind, which Jazz FM’s Tony Minvielle praised as a “competitor for album of the year” and featuring the BBC Radio 6-championed single Pink & Blue, Millie Mountain returns with her latest single, Inside Out. The London-based artist continues her fearless exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, drawing on her signature blend of Neo-Soul, Jazz/Funk, and R&B.

Inside Out is a raw, poetic track written by Millie and composed by longtime collaborator Stuart Whitehead. Recorded live at Hope Mill Studios in Manchester with her four-piece jazz band Still Waters, the single reflects on the unravelling of a relationship, highlighting emotional imperfections and the blindness love can sometimes bring. Millie explains, “It’s about loving and leaving, about choosing yourself and your health.”

At just 25, Millie Mountain is fast becoming a standout voice in UK Soul and Jazz. Known for her versatility and fearless experimentation, she has received support from BBC Introducing’s Jess Iszatt and featured on platforms like Reprezent, Hoxton Radio, and Voices Radio. Live, she’s no stranger to major stages, performing at Moovin Jazz Fest, supporting Sy Smith at Jazz Café, and touring with The Mouse Outfit alongside icons like Sister Sledge and UB40.

The press imagery for Inside Out is a visual metaphor for emotional contradiction featuring torn raincoats, clown-like makeup, and her whimsical alter ego, Jeanie.’ It’s all part of Millie’s ongoing mission to push artistic boundaries and embrace vulnerability as strength.

“Inside Out blends late-night cool with inner city grit and marks Millie Mountain as one to watch.”

Her style defies easy classification. Millie’s music draws inspiration from artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, and even Courtney Love, but ultimately fuses influences into something uniquely her own. Often compared vocally to Amy Winehouse, Millie notes, “I love blending all of the artists who have inspired me to date and subconsciously creating my own fusion and sound.”

Inside Out marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with more singles and live shows on the way. Millie’s goal is simple: to keep creating, sharing, and connecting. “All I want to do is travel the world doing what I love, creating music and sharing it with people to enjoy.”

As her fanbase continues to grow, so too does her impact “Inside Out” is yet another reminder that Millie Mountain is not just one to watch, but one to listen to, feel with, and believe in.

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Words Mark Knight

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Sol Paradise. First Sign of Love 234

rightchord — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:35:30 +0000

Sol Paradie is our latest First Signs of Love (FSOL) featured artist. FSOL is about those moments when you find a new artist to love, and you can’t get enough! Discover more from our archive.

Sol Paradise

Sol is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from London, whose sound blends elements of jazz, funk, and neo-soul. His latest EP, In the Garden, has received significant recognition, garnering over 500,000 streams, including features on Spotify Fresh Finds UK, BBC R6, and Jazz UK.

It’s clear his star is rising; his streaming success and media recognition led him to play the Brick Lane Jazz Festival and the inaugural SXSW London.

I was lucky enough to attend his sold-out show at Omeara last night in London. This show was the final night of his debut UK headline tour, where he sold out every single night.

His latest EP, In The Garden, feels like the perfect soundtrack for a balmy summer’s evening lying in the park. There is a joyous calmness to this record, which skillfully and playfully fuses old school Jazz with a delightful dollop of funk and soul.

At moments, this record made me think of Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions. Sol Paradise is a North Londoner, and somehow, you can tell, there is something distinctly urban about this record. It’s forged from a life in the city.

As a live proposition, Sol Paradise and his band are a compelling yet easy listen. It’s cool, effortless and meandering. Trumpets, Saxophones and Flutes elevate the style alongside keys, guitars and drums. It’s a room swelling sound that sweeps you up and away.

Go lose yourself in this EP on your next stroll around your neighbourhood, or play it to impress your friends at your next park picnic.

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Words Mark Knight

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Sketchdoll Reveals Sophomore Album ‘Afterwildlife’

rightchord — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:04:14 +0000

London-based quartet Sketchdoll caps off 2024 with the release of their second album, Afterwildlife, a richly layered exploration of musical genres and styles.

Sketchdoll – Afterwildlife

Following the success of their debut, See Through Me (2020), and a series of well-received singles throughout the year, Sketchdoll continues to expand their artistic horizons. Tracks like Hourglass boast over 25,000 Spotify streams, underscoring the band’s growing audience.

Recorded in Manchester, Afterwildlife takes Sketchdoll’s sound to new heights. The album blends an array of influences, including funk, spoken word, indie folk, jazz fusion, Americana, blues, bedroom pop, psychedelia, and progressive rock, crafting a richly textured sonic odyssey.

The album opens with ‘Hypothermia’, a jazz-tinged piece that layers intricate guitar patterns and compelling vocals to establish an arresting tone. Tracks like ‘Attitude’ and ‘Reaching’ build on this momentum, showcasing playful grooves and commanding vocal performances. The interlude ‘He Who Dares’ shifts gears with poetic spoken word and hypnotic drum work, adding a thoughtful pause to the album’s flow.

The title track, ‘Afterwildlife’, introduces a more tranquil atmosphere, featuring dreamy vocals and lush instrumentation while maintaining the album’s engaging hooks. In contrast, ‘There’s More Of Them Than Us’ delivers a fast-paced showcase of the band’s technical prowess, marked by tight instrumentation and unrestrained energy.

‘You’re Not Done With Me’ offers a reflective moment, gradually building from subdued tones to powerful riffs that highlight the group’s versatility. ‘Sierra Echoes’ introduces a Western-inspired vibe, with its galloping rhythm conjuring imagery of the open plains. Meanwhile, Skysurfer guides listeners through a dreamlike journey of jazz-inspired drumming, ethereal vocals, and mesmerizing guitar work.

The delicate ‘Just Be’ blooms with intricate instrumentation and a touching string arrangement, while ‘Fairweather Lover’ infuses the album with refreshing energy, thanks to its lively, math-rock-inspired bassline. The interlude Afterwildlife (Interlude) sets the stage for the album’s finale, giving the guitar a spotlight in a captivating performance.

Closing with ‘Letting the Chips Fall’, Sketchdoll delivers a masterful finish. This emotionally charged track features soaring melodies, memorable hooks, and standout guitar work backed by polished production.

“Afterwildlife highlights Sketchdoll’s creativity and skill—a cohesive, vibrant collection that showcases their ability to blend diverse influences seamlessly.”

Don’t miss the chance to experience Sketchdoll live at their album launch gig on Wednesday, November 27, at The Fox & Firkin in London. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and celebration.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Cerulean Creek Paints In ‘Sentimental Colors’

rightchord — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:02:18 +0000

Cerulean Creek’s ‘Sentimental Colors’ is one of the most interesting, mellow jazz pop tracks I’ve heard this year.

Cerulean Creek – Sentimental Colors

Hailing from California, he has blended the nuanced feel of jazz guitar and contemporary attitudes of alternative indie artists to craft a whole new aura that feels as soulful as it does melodic.

Setting the scene with its chic chord progressions, the track builds a gentle atmosphere. The sound is then carried forward with its melodic Rhodes and lively drum beats which set the stall out for the track to shine. Cutting through the airwaves, the vocal top lines where ‘Sentimental Colours’ really gives its finest moments.

The melodies and harmonies give the track its swagger and attitude which keeps the track engaging and stimulating. At its forefront, ‘Sentimental Colors’ explores themes of uncertainty and wonder while dealing with emotional discomfort and overwhelm. It’s refreshing to hear different themes and perspectives introduced in this genre, as it has a historical tendency to become saturated with love and heartbreak. By taking this creative license, Cerulean Creek has not only demonstrated his ability to weave different genres together but also to show such creative emotional intelligence.

It’s really interesting to hear how having such a multifaceted set of influences fuse together in order to produce something that has such a captivating feel. In my time I’ve heard plenty of jazz guitarists – and more than my fair share of indie bands – but never had the pleasure of listening to someone who’s had the artistry to produce an amalgamation of the two. If Thom Yorke formed an indie sleaze band with Jamiroquai and Tom Misch – you’d have something pretty close to the brilliance of Cerulean Creek… That’s a legendary set of influences to set a musical benchmark. Every note, beat and chord is delivered with an astute contextual finesse and shows how ‘Sentimental Colors’ is both artistically mature and creatively exciting. Cerulean Creek is going to be a very interesting one to watch!

‘Sentimental Colors’ is a sensational example of indie jazz pop, honing in with Cerulean Creek’s chic guitar skills and sophisticated sense of rhythm.

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Words: Alex Malpass

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Kay Iris Shares Sultry New Single ‘A Tale of Fate’.

rightchord — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:31:03 +0000

Hailing from Hastings, Kay Iris has recently shared her latest single, the warm, calming, ‘A Tale of Fate’. The track is a mesmerising love song that wraps listeners up in its warm and calming embrace.

Kay Iris – A Tale of Fate

With a mythical Greek undertone, A Tale of Fate is an unexpected and distinctive debut that showcases Kay’s unique talent, leaving listeners craving for more.

The track opens with gentle and elegant acoustic guitar notes, joining harmoniously with a soothing saxophone tune that creates a harmonious atmosphere for the debut. Provided by Matt Pattmore, the instrumental here shows remarkable talent whilst holding grace and beauty, making it feel as if ‘A Tale of Fate’ is a journey to a magical place.

Vocally, Kay Iris is smooth and glossy, making a perfect match for the song’s ethereal background. Her voice adds another layer of depth, and emotion, to the song, drawing listeners into this world of love, wonder, and enchantment. Its lyrics tell a story of a fairy tale romance filled with magic and sacred synchronicity, leaving the listeners feeling enchanted and captivated.

Pinned together by its upbeat tone, the song paints a vivid image of love as a supernatural reunion of two souls that manages to transcend the boundaries of time and space.

“Every note and melody feels carefully crafted to evoke this sense of wonder, drawing you into a world of romance. “

A glorious single, ‘A Tale of Fate’, is the perfect addition to romantic playlists, adding a touch of charm and elegance to any listening experience. Whether you’re snuggled up with a loved one, enjoying a candlelit dinner, or simply on the hunt for some beautiful music to enjoy, ‘A Tale of Fate’ is the perfect choice to let the magic of destiny inspire you.

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Words Katie Macbeth

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Viatr Delve Deep With New EP Memory Interior

rightchord — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:05:42 +0000

Delving into the depths of the human psyche, Viatr unveils their inaugural EP ‘Memory Interior’.

Viatr – Memory Interior

London’s avant-garde quartet, Viatr, ventures into the experimental music realm with their latest EP, a captivating journey across a spectrum of genres. Following the success of their well-received singles, Queue The Dreams and Smiles, For Now, the art-rock ensemble presents their thematic masterpiece, ‘Memory Interior.’

This debut work seamlessly weaves together elements of jazz, post-punk, and art rock, exploring profound themes such as human psychology, inner fears, and traumas. The EP delves into the realms of dissociation, the quest for purpose, and mental defence mechanisms, drawing a metaphorical parallel between the human mind and a house—a concept vividly portrayed not only in the eclectic soundtrack but also in the stunning artwork.

Embarking on the exploration of complex themes, the opening track, Push & Pull, evokes a sense of melancholy with poignant guitar chords and the heart-wrenching vocals of lead singer Diana. The chorus introduces haunting background vocals, amplifying feelings of isolation and emptiness.

Continuing in a similar vein, the self-titled track, Memory Interior, maintains the gloomy ambience while embracing a soothing quality with a heavenly charm. The chaotic conclusion perfectly encapsulates the EP’s central ideology, delving into the intricacies of psychology and the human mind.

In a surprising twist, Smiles, For Now, the second single, takes a different route with jazzy-inspired rhythms and increased pacing. Despite its vibrant arrangements, the composition maintains a nostalgic mood, culminating in a frenzied finale that underscores the band’s musical prowess.

The track that kick-started their journey, Queue The Dreams, unfolds with dynamic tempo changes, transitioning from sorrowful verses to a faster post-punk anthem. This chapter stands out as an absorbing representation of dissociation through daydreaming within a surreal sonic landscape.

Closing the EP, Ballad of Beemster Lake amplifies the poignancy, exploring doubt and damnation through versatile arrangements. The song takes an unexpected turn halfway through, exchanging fast-paced instrumentals for a chill and dreamy performance that fades away like memories in the vastness of the mind.

‘”Memory Interior stands as a meticulously crafted and engaging EP.”

For those eager to experience this gem in its entirety, mark your calendars for February 27th at Paper Dress Vintage in London. Viatr’s debut EP promises a surreal blend of top-notch musicianship and thought-provoking surrealism—an unmissable journey into the recesses of the mind.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Chidimma Debuts With ‘goin thru things’

rightchord — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:21:55 +0000

Discover Chidimma’s warm neo-soul ballad.

Chidimma – ‘goin thru things’

‘My heart’s been going through things, feeling new things, working through things…’ – whether you’re working through a breakup, a life change or just a Tuesday night, here’s a line that everyone can relate to all too well. For Chidimma, it’s a heartbreak story, but she also had faith on her side to get her through it.

Chidimma is a neo-soul singer-songwriter based in Kent. This is her debut single, ahead of her upcoming EP ‘Love, Chidimma’, produced with IAMRTB.

‘What I thought was love, faded’ sings Chidimma, her lyrics simple but with sincere emotion. She gives thanks for her endurance – ‘It’s only you that saw me through, Lord’ and also makes Biblical references in lines like ‘The love I thought I knew was patient, kind and patient’. She ends with a spoken outro, boldly addressing her audience, letting them know ‘God had and has a plan’. Her vocals are the real star here though, smooth and beautiful with a delicate, airy tone. And while her melodies could use a few more hooks, they’re creative and wash over you gently.

“Goin thru things’ is a lush soul ballad with influences of jazz and RnB, and faith at its core.”

The production is kept relatively bare to spotlight the vocals, with just warm soul chords, light beats and subtle bass. There are some lush soul chords with some unexpected harmonies, and an appearance from producer iAMRTB in the subby, distorted backing vocals. It’s a gorgeous, easy listen and a strong debut from a new neo-soul artist.

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Words Eden Tredwell

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Settle In For Bella Band’s ‘Pyjama Drama’

rightchord — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:43:44 +0000

Discover Bella Band’s fun and fresh debut.

Bella Band – ‘Pyjama Drama’

The title ‘Pyjama Drama’ may have caught your eye – but don’t worry, we’re not in the world of heavy turmoil or even girly cat-fights. This is a song for those solo cosy nights in, as you get sucked down the rabbit hole of some drama or internet comments section that you know is bad, but feels so good. Healthy? No. Fun? Yes.

Bella Band has had quite the path, from child actress to flautist and bassist who’s found herself playing for esteemed drill and rap artists. This is her debut single, where she finds her own jazz-pop-funk style, naturally including some kick-ass flute playing.

‘Pyjama Drama’ is a cheekily cute track, fusing jazz, funk, pop and RnB styles with ease.

The tongue-in-cheek lyrics see our narrator ‘yearning for just a little drama’ as she balances her adult life with her more childish inclinations – ‘I may have my 5-year plan, but secretly I want shit to hit the fan’. There’s plenty of glee in lines like ‘it’s funny what the cat drags in’, and it’s delivered in Band’s whispery yet characterful lead vocals. The fast-paced melodies show off the jazz influence whilst retaining a pop catchiness.

The production centres around funky, stabbing chords and the band’s virtuoso flute playing, which plays call-and-response with the lead vocals. With some groovy percussion and a fun guest verse from rapper Denzel, it creates a fresh sound that will catch many a listener’s ear. Think Lily Allen or Kate Nash, if they got their hands on some funk and a flute.

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Words Eden Tredwell

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Phoebe Coco – I Am Not a Machine EP

rightchord — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:16:07 +0000

‘I Am Not a Machine’ is Phoebe Coco’s intimate new EP.

Phoebe Coco – I Am Not a Machine

There’s an eclectic mix of sounds that helps make Coco’s discography deliciously inviting, but it’s her sense of self and ability to create unique soundscapes that has really defined her as an artist to look out for. Her newest EP ‘I Am Not a Machine’ is a beautiful glimpse into this brave new artist’s mind.

The first track ‘Machine’ echoes the vocal elasticity and choral refrain of bands like ‘Soda Blonde’ while the instrumentation could hint at a ‘Sleeping at Last’ track on acid. Trying to compare the strong lyricism and lush atmosphere, however, would be futile. The song reflects Coco’s experience with city life and the wilderness, modern-day existence and the struggle to overcome everyday living contradictions. Three-time Grammy award winner Eduardo De La Paz co-produced this track, and its radio-friendly appearance never overcomes its personable form. Mastered by Kevin Tuffy (who recently won Mastering Engineer of the Year) ‘Machine’ is as smooth as they come. The track is also accompanied by a brilliant new music video:

Raised in a singing matriarchy of women, Coco embraces her family’s lineage and influence. It’s evident on every corner of this record, especially on ‘Clear Eyes’ and ‘Earth Dream’. As with ‘Machine’, both songs house these blisteringly unique ‘blood harmonies’ that help craft sonic landscapes of ecstatic passion.

Doused with subtle but present jazzy instrumentation, the EP isn’t afraid to take risks and let Coco’s personal tastes bleed onto classic songwriting structures and strong choruses. It’s arguably the EP’s biggest strength along with Coco’s haunting vocals. The rhythm taking a backseat on this EP at times allows the brass in songs like ‘Machine’ to nestle neatly into the mix. ‘Clear Eyes’ also lets the dreamy piano sit right and centre with a simple tambourine jingling in the background effortlessly.

It’s increasingly difficult to find modern pop music with such personality and character. This EP is defined by Coco’s identity as a songwriter and as a human. There’s such power in tracks like ‘Earth Dream’s refined, intimate sound. The atmosphere in production wouldn’t be half as captivating without Coco’s chordal choices and siren backing vocals.

‘I Am Not a Machine’ drenches a rich canvas of pop ballads and soul influences, with character and intimate storytelling, a formula quickly becoming synonymous with Phoebe Coco’s sound.

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Words Ciarán Coleman

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