A Merry Christmas Message

Hey peeps!

For me life has been pretty hectic over the last 6 months and while I haven't had the chance to write any posts, I just wanted to quickly say Merry Christmas to all and Season's Greetings!! Whoever and wherever you are I hope you have a memorable day, eat and drink lots, be merry and enjoy the company that surrounds you.  I wish you, your family members and loved ones good times :)

Lots of festive spirit,
UrbanVoice UK

DDark - Intro II (Official Video)

This next artist is not new to UrbanVoice UK. Well-known undeground music producer, rapper and song writer DDark is back with a new tune and video for the track entitled 'Intro II'.  Blindfolded for the duration of the video bringing a continous speedy flow, you can check DDark's latest offering here.

You can also download DDark's mixtape M.O.T (MENACE ON TRACKS) hosted by Original DJ Memzee OUT NOW!!!!!! http://ddark.bandcamp.com/album/m-o-t-mixtape-menace-on-tracks

Check it out!!

2Deep ft. Dancing Lotus - Momentum (Acoustic Session)

I'm always a fan of acoustic sessions as it tends to expose artists.  Recently 2Deep took a trip to East London's music factory berry street studios to meet up with band Dancing Lotus. After working on their upcoming feature single 'Momentum' 2Deep & Dancing Lotus' lead singer Jack Shaw decided to perform a acoustic version.. So listen up, comment, share & Look out for further details on the release !

Let me know your views by hitting that 'like' or 'dislike' button below.

Follow 2Deep On Twitter: http://www/twitter.com/2DeepOriginal
Like 2Deep On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/2DeepOriginal
Email: 2Deep@thecoolclublife.com

Catch up with Coldside

 Coldside came to London last weekend and of course I had to link them. What I thought would be a quiet and professional drink after work developed into a wavy night in a central london bar. The fact that one round turned into a night out is testament to the loveable and fun nature of Zane, Aitch and Red. We caught up about anything and everything, from how things have changed since I first met the trio at the Manchester Academy back in February, to what crepes (trainers) we were wearing.

Me and Coldside

So what have Coldside been up to since I last saw them? Well, they featured on the 1Xtra playlist, supported Goldie Looking Chain, Caan and Tinchy Stryder. They have also performed at the Puma sponsored Rugby Rocks to a 1,200 person audience, Coldside's biggest capacity since their Man City gig. The trio have also managed to squeeze in Manchester's Party in the Park under their belt. Oh, and they are now sponsored by Humor clothing. Not bad eh?!

Download 'Faded' Coldside's latest single from iTunes, also play listed by 1Xtra: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/faded-single/id526644058

Follow Coldside on Twitter: http://twitter.com/thisiscoldside

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I Luv Live 8th Birthday 21.06.12

This week a very special event took place, it was the 8th Birthday of the urban live music event that is  -  I Luv Live.  I arrived early at around 8.30 in order to view the exhibition that featured photos of past I Luv Live performers from the last 8 years that were displayed to mark the occasion.  I entered a buzzing room filled with the likes of Cleo Sol and Kele Le Roc to be surrounded by images of artists such as Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Roll Deep.  The exhibition is testiment to the fact that some of the great British artists of the moment have all at least once played at I Luv Live. Highlighting the events unique and crucial stance in giving British artists a platform to be heard.

The show kicked of at about 9pm with hosts Ras Kwame and Twin B paying homage to the event as the 'home of urban music'.  The hosts took a moment to list the I luv live team who have contributed over the last 8 years.  I would also like to give props to organiser's Rachael and Jay for keeping the night alive over the years despite dificulties. I'm sure it hasn't been easy. 

Moving on, the first act Mahalia swiftly appeared onto stage.

All humble as she approached the mic, Mahalia in turn graced the stage sucking the audience in, singing 'Let The World See The Light' with nothing but her voice and guitar.  Her soft acoustic performance showcased her angelic voice and boy what a voice, a gorgeous voice this girl has.  Despite her innocent persona her performance came across totally  confident and in control. I urge you to check her out.  https://twitter.com/mahaliamusic
Mahalia was followed by the second act, Josh Kumra.  You may know Josh Kumra from the haunting vocals on Wretch 32's 'Don't Go', which reached number 1 in the UK chart.  Mr Kumra played his debut single 'Helicopters and Planes' acoustic style.  https://twitter.com/joshkumra

One of my favourite acts who has had a very good  2012 so far was third on stage. Cleo Sol, recently signed to Island records, who is even more gorgeous in real life, performed 3 songs including one of my favourite's 'High!'. During which she brought energy to the stage breaking it down with her band, which I always love.  Cleo Sol also performed her upcoming single due out on 23rd July, 'Never The Right Time (Who Do You Love)'.  This lady's performance did not dissapoint. You can follow Cleo Sol on twitter: https://twitter.com/cleosol

Ghetts

Turning up the tempo, next up was one of my favourite MC's from the scene, Ghetts. As per usual Ghetts came on stage going in strong with 'Artillery' (with his shades on, as you do), followed by 'Don't Phone Me'. His shouty familiar voice confirms there is only one Ghetts in the game.  Ghetts also performed tracks 'Red Pill', (no mercston though :( ) and Rebel.  What I love about Ghetts is that no matter how many times I have seen him perform I never tire of his performances. He consistantly brings an energy that he is so notorious for,  making him one of the best Grime artists in the game.
https://twitter.com/therealghetts

Big Kids

Changing the tone completly the 5th act to perform was Big Kids, a duo which features Mr Hudson. I had not heard of this duo before and despite their alternative Camden style music they managed to fit right in with the previous acts. Demonstrating once again that I Luv Live is definitely a hub for all kinds of British urban acts. A trait that makes I Luv Live a truly unique night and worth your time. This was also reflected in the positive things that artists like Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Tinchy Stryder had to say about the night, which was showcased in the exhibition. Big Kids had a great energy on stage and the female singer would not  stop jumping round the stage which only made me admire her! twitter.com/#!/BIGkidsmusic

To keep the energy going who better to follow than the next act, Scorcher, who has been gaining some serious ground this year.  Scorcher invited Ghetts back on stage to join him and the chemistry between these two set sparks flying. Scorcher then brought out Terminator aka T from Dark Side on to the stage who brought the lazy flow.  For his 3rd and final  track Scorcher performed his latest single 'It's All Love' due to be out soon. I definitley have a new found love for Scorcher now.
https://twitter.com/scorcherslife

Sway

Soon after was the one of the most sucessful UK urban artists  of today, Sway aka Decipher opened his set with 'Still Speeding' , which got the crowd vibing.  I'm actually embarrassed to say thats it's my first time seeing Sway live especially as I've been a fan of his for year's. Sway actually smacked it with an acapella spit that really engaged me to his performance.  Sway then went on to play 'Level Up', my favourite track of his since his debut ablum.

As my first time seeing Sway he didn't dissappoint,  the delivery was good and you could definitely tell the hip hop influence in Sways style when he performed his song with mish mash of famous hip hop lyrics

Download Sway's mixtape The Deliverence 2 here: http://www.sway.uk.com/category/audio/

Kal Lavelle

After party

So what was the after party saying?  Well, the organiser's kept the pace moving reeling off artist after artist. Kicking off the after party Kal Lavelle  featuring Mic Righteous beautifully performed her track 'Fell in love with My friend' which she explained to be a song where the words come from a place close to the heart and you could feel the emotion in her performance.  You can follow Kal Lavelle on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kallavelle
There after, the after party really picked up speed showcasing performances from Lioness, and Stylo G. Fem Fel performed his new track featuring Shola Ama, whilst Shystie brought the funky flavour dropping 'Pull It'.

A.Dot

Followed by fellow female MC A.dot who performed 'Semantics' and got the crowd moving.  Shortly after No Lay  performed 'Drugs'. and I have to say the females were definitely representing and brought a lot of energy to the stage.  I was intrugued to see west London's finest Ratlin who came on with 2 tracks including his latest single called 'On My Lonely'. Keeping it moving, GFresh pleased the crowd as he spat some heavy bars acapella, which I definitely approved off.

Overall, it was a very good night with many varied and entertaining performances.  Happy Birthday I Luv Live - I can't wait for the next I Luv Live line up.

My 2012 So Far...

Wow, I can't believe how fast this year has gone by.  We are already in the first week of June and I'm off on my summer holiday to Gran Canaria for 10 days - a very well earned break indeed :).  Looking back at this year there have been some fantastic tunes and lots of developments in the world of UK urban music.  It has already been a great year for artists like Labrinth, Ratlin,  Sneakbo, Cleo Sol and Lady Leshurr.  So much so, that I really look forward to what the next six months have to offer.  We've just celebrated the Queen's Jubilee across the UK and whether you are a fan of the Queen or not the last weekend has made Britain unite during the Jubilee festivities.  I look forward to a spectacular summer in London and across the UK, where we will welcome huge events such as the Olympics, Hackney Weekender and London 2012 Festival.  Stay tuned for more posts from UrbanVoice UK across this summer and more exciting UK urban acts.

Colside - Single 'Faded' Out 6th June

My favourite trio from Manchester are back and ready to release their single 'Faded'. Previously on the BBC 1Xtra Playlist 'Faded' is a cool blend of urban and rock genres.  The track features vocals from Zane, Aitch and Red.  I was lucky enough to see them perform this track at the Manchester Academy earlier this year and this track was definitely a crowd pleaser.  I like everything about this track from the electric guitar manipulating the tone to the catchy chorus.  It's memorable and an overall good tune - well worth the download!

'Faded' is available to buy on iTunes NOW! Make sure you support our UK Talent and buy the record!

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/faded/id526644058?i=526644061&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

 You can follow Coldside on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ThisIsColdside