News – RCRD LBL

February 19, 2025

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025 Mew Zikwryder

Message To Bears weaves wonder with warmth in latest single ‘Half Light’

London-born, Bristol-based Message To Bears, the ethereal indie-folk project of Jerome Alexander, unveils his latest single, ‘Half Light’, on February 14, 2025, via Lost Birds Records. With over 200 million streams, his evocative sound has captivated BBC Radio (Nitin Sawhney, Guy Garvey, Tom Robinson), NPR, KEXP’s Pacific Notions, and publications like Vulture, Stereogum, CLASH, and The Line of Best Fit. Having shared stages with Nils Frahm and Ólafur Arnalds, performed at Green Man Festival alongside Mumford & Sons, Beirut, and Efterklang, and featured in Life is Strange with Mogwai, Alt-J, and José González, his cinematic compositions blend ambient, folk, post-rock, and electronic textures. Since his 2007 debut, Alexander has released acclaimed albums like Departures, Folding Leaves, and Constants, earning a reputation for lush, emotive soundscapes reminiscent of Cinematic Orchestra, Novo Amor, and Sufjan Stevens.

‘Half Light’ unfolds like a dream, seamlessly intertwining orchestral elegance with ambient serenity. Delicate piano melodies drift over swelling brass, celestial choral swells, and shimmering electronic textures, each element meticulously placed to create a rich, immersive soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.

Alexander divulges: “Half Light is supposed to capture a moment of vulnerability and hope, those quiet in-between moments where clarity begins to emerge.”

Listen to ‘Half Light’ now:

Follow Message To Bears:
Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify

November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 Mew Zikwryder

Listen to ‘Six Figures Check’, a trippy new track from Mangabey featuring Tora Meishi

Mangabey, the French DJ and producer whose name has become synonymous with some of house music’s most influential labels — Toy Tonics, Nervous, Pont Neuf, and Novaj — is preparing to release his highly anticipated debut album via Cracki Records in 2025. Fresh off the success of his smash hit ‘Time For You & Me’ which has garnered over two million streams, Mangabey is about to take a bold leap into new sonic territory with the debut single from the album, ‘Six Figures Check’.

A striking departure from his usual sound, ‘Six Figures Check’ blends sultry, old-school rap verses from rising French vocalist Tora Meishi with a sleek, alternative R&B style that pulls heavily from the vibrant UK scene (think RUBII, Jorja Smith, Lava La Rue, and DRIIA).

With its hypnotic percussion, smoky atmospherics, reverb-drenched vocals, jazzy instrumental flourishes, and infectious bassline, the track transports the listener into a lush sonic dreamscape. It’s a refreshing reinvention that showcases Mangabey’s boundless production talent and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in his evolving musical narrative.

Follow Mangabey:

Spotify – Instagram

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 Mew Zikwryder

Soulful singer-songwriter Dave Curl shares fun-filled video for single ‘Riders’

Dave Curl has unveiled a magnificent video for his surf-rock inspired single ‘Riders’. The video premiered on renowned tastemaker EARMILK and features Dave, among his surfing community getting ready to take on the waves at one of his favourite surfing spots in the world.

The single, which was released on October 10th, sees Dave take a new direction with his folk-pop-rock sound to something a bit more lighthearted with a touch of whimsy. ‘Riders’ is all about Dave’s passion for surfing and the impact it’s had on his life.

The music video is a visual feast, impeccably showcasing the shoreline and landscape of the Fuerteventura island, the second largest Canary Island. The video opens with a shot of Dave walking along the shore with his guitar strung around him, while the rest of the “riders” crew arrive in eager anticipation smiling from ear to ear. The crew are then seen donning their wetsuits, waxing their boards and gearing up to hit the waves. Interspersed with shots of the crew and Dave on the water having the time of their lives, are shots of Dave walking along the shoreline singing his heart out while playing guitar.

Watch the video below:

Dave Curl told us: “Inspired by 20 years of surfing in Fuerteventura, I set out to create a music video capturing the island’s desertlike beauty and the powerful connection with the ocean. Filming alongside the incredible Riders surf crew and lady surfers at the iconic lighthouse, I aimed to show the magic, struggle, and serenity that surfing here brings. With perfect waves and weather on our side, I hope this video captures the spirit of Fuerteventura and the joy of surfing.”

Stream Dave Curl – ‘Riders’ below:

Follow Dave Curl:

Website – Instagram – Facebook – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 Mew Zikwryder

Livvy Lauren joins forces with Maddox Jones on moving single ‘Another Sad Song’

Emerging songstress Livvy Lauren unveiled her new single ‘Another Sad Song’ on 25 October via Radikal Records. The track features the powerhouse vocals of Northampton-based Maddox Jones, and includes a stunning accompanying music video.

Stream Livvy Lauren, Maddox Jones – ‘Another Sad Song’ below:

Based in Kent, Livvy Lauren is known for merging an array of influences including R&B, bass, house and drum and bass. Her previous single ‘Felt Love’ was featured on the popular dating show Love Island, while she’s also drawn comparisons to the likes of Doja Cat and Tate McRae.

Maddox Jones was the recipient of the Songwriter of the Year award at the Northamptonshire Local Music Awards, and is also gearing up for his second album Waiting for the World to Turn, slated for release on 1 November.

‘Another Sad Song’ sees the pair outdo themselves with striking vocal performances. The track addresses the fragile and unpredictable nature of life, and how one day things seem to be going well, and the next it feels like the ground is crumbling beneath your feet. Despite its overt somber and melancholic atmosphere, the track is beautifully heartwarming too as it addresses the power of human connection when times are tough. The accompanying music video sees Livvy and Maddox in a bright, sun-filled apartment singing vehemently side by side. The video is delightfully intimate and cozy, while showcasing a different side of both artists.

Watch the music video below: