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Jhené Aiko Delivers Stunningly Beautiful Performance For NPR Tiny Desk

Throughout the pandemic, artists have gotten creative for their at-home performances, showing off the length of their innovation by how they can create an experience that will stand out compared to the rest of the pack. While the NPR Tiny Desk Concert series has done that by itself, offering a more stripped-down version of a regular performance with a smaller crowd, a live band, and more intimate versions of their songs, the series has had to transition to a remote series because of the virus. Last week, we saw Conway The Machine perform like at a Sweet Chick restaurant, which was pretty dope, and now, Jhené Aiko is bringing her brand of soulful vocals to the stage for Tiny Desk.

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The spirit of the series was kept alive for Jhené’s episode, which included songs from her latest album, following the singer as she performed alongside her live instrumental backing, of which everybody was wearing a facemask.

This is one of the most stunningly beautiful performances we’ve seen during the quarantine, reminding us all of Jhené’s incredibly gorgeous voice and finally giving us some live renditions of the new music.

Last month, the singer released the official video for “Speak” from her Chilombo release. In the summer, she was named one of Spotify’s most-streamed R&B artists.

What did you think of her performance?

Artist Spotlight

Wyn Calico create the need to support with his latest release “Support”

Wyn Calico steps into deeply personal territory with his latest single, “Support,” a heartfelt offering that addresses a feeling many people know, but rarely express so openly. It’s a song about the universal desire to be encouraged, recognised, and uplifted, turning personal frustration into a relatable message of resilience.

“Support” is a meditation on what it feels like to work tirelessly for something you want, but not have the support you need to fully achieve it. Wyn Calico expresses the emotional burden of wanting to make a difference, believing in your purpose, and still moving forward when you hit setbacks. The song is not only about disappointment, but also a rallying cry of resilience in the face of adversity.

This song also highlights an important truth, there are many talented and hard-working people out there who have everything it takes to make a difference, except the encouragement and opportunity to flourish. Wyn Calico’s lyrics and delivery shine a light on that struggle and offer a sense of solidarity to those in similar situations.

“Support” isn’t just a personal statement. It’s a conversation starter. It encourages us to think about the value of community, support, and believing in each other. Wyn Calico’s latest drop is honest, relatable, and emotionally driven, a powerful reminder that even in the moments of isolation, the desire to keep pushing forward is still stronger than ever.

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Artist Spotlight

NNORDY steps into jazz fusion with latest release “Wrong Turn”

NNORDY’s latest release, “Wrong Turn” is a fully live jazz fusion album that showcases the limitless possibilities of instrumental storytelling with the remarkable chemistry between guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. The song has no words but is an excellent story told through musicianship and sets the stage for listeners to embark on a rich jazz experience.

“Wrong Turn” shows the strength of live performance from the get-go. Each instrument feels alive and in conversation with the others, a dynamic dialogue that develops organically over the course of the piece. Without vocal guidance, each musical phrase is left to speak for itself, giving the listener the freedom to interpret the track in their own way.

The guitar and keyboards often lead, crafting complex melodic lines and textures that give the music direction and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bass and drums lay down a solid rhythmic base, creating movement and momentum while still leaving a lot of room for exploration. NNORDY creates a track that both dedicated jazz fans and listeners looking for something adventurous and fresh will enjoy. “Wrong Turn” shows that instrumental music can be as expressive and compelling as vocal music.

Connect with NNORDY on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube