

Story
Price & KOTA The Friend Collaborate On New Single “MAYA”
While KOTA The Friend’s name may ring more familiar in some circles, it is Audio Push member, Price, who managed to secure the lead in the pair’s single, “MAYA”. Price, now seeking to release his first solo album, found a bigger break for his solo-career than most when he acquired a deep-seated feature from KOTA.
Still, the pair exchanges verses seamlessly, as if they were old friends catching up. A tender horn radiates and echoes in a wavering melody as a sharp percussion of rapid hi-hats and rustic claps ensue.
The countering elements clash beautifully, as a somber apparatus serves as the backdrop for the lyrical contemplation we’d expect of an elder statesman kindred to Black Thought, as opposed to an artist still prepping for the release of their debut album.
Price’s impending release, CLRD., is slated to drop on October 16th, with “MAYA” serving as the third and potentially final tease of the album’s contents.
Despite the narrow range of songs for comparison, “MAYA” readily shows Price at a new lyrical height as he goes back-to-back with KOTA. A reference to the acclaimed Maya Angelou book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, the pair likens the socioeconomic disenfranchisement of African-Americans to a colored bird whose beauty is restricted by a cage.
The haunting maturity of a fresh voice is an irony that only manages to elevate the potency of the song’s advocacy for earnest ambition and expression.
Quotable Lyrics:
You see it’s bad enough when we
See cops that gotta frisk and smoke
But then we hear stupid sh*t, like you know
Black people kill each other the most
As if it ain’t human nature to kill or attack whatever is close
Whatever comes with a negative approach
It’s another way to put a rope on our throats
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Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me,” a Soulful Orchestra of Redemption

Joelle Charan’s latest creation, “Forgive Me,” is a soul-jazz masterpiece that transcends boundaries, weaving together a tapestry of modern soul and Jazz orchestral horns with enchanting musical influences that are deeply emotional. This single is a heartfelt reflection of a daughter’s yearning for forgiveness. The result is a symphonic fairytale that tugs at your heartstrings, combining modern pop with the timeless elegance of orchestral and Indian instrumentation.
Drawing from the depths of her mixed heritage and spiritual beliefs, Joelle Charan pours her heart and soul into this track. The song’s genesis in the aftermath of a poignant argument, set against the backdrop of New York City, adds a layer of raw authenticity to its lyrics. The smooth-jazz verses are a soothing balm, while the choruses’ layered vocal and instrumental harmonies evoke a sense of catharsis.
Joelle’s smooth-jazz verses effortlessly lead you into a world of introspection, while the choruses, adorned with intricate vocal and instrumental harmonies, take you on an experimental odyssey. The outro, embraced by French horns, adds a touch of old-world charm to the modern Manhattan backdrop that inspired this composition.
Influenced by the likes of Laura Mvula, Norah Jones, and Alicia Keys, Joelle Charan’s vocal prowess shines brightly. Her ability to blend soulful vocals with jazz-infused melodies is captivating. “Forgive Me” is not just a song; it’s a journey through the depths of emotion, a musical experience that will resonate deeply with anyone who has felt the weight of regret and the need for absolution.
As Joelle Charan returns to the U.K. and Europe for live performances, “Forgive Me” is bound to stand out in her repertoire, a testament to her musical talent and artistic growth. It’s a must-listen for those who appreciate the exquisite fusion of captivating rhythms and emotive storytelling. Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me” song is a soulful track that offers healing and elevates the soul. It’s a great addition to any jazz or soul playlist, inspired by Charan’s musical journey from Amsterdam. Truly an artist to watch!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me“ on Spotify.
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Industry Veteran and Legend – Aria – Teams Up With Renowned World Artists For Rhythmic Single Smile

Mariano Schiavolini, aka “Aria“, is a leading representative of international world music, and collaborates with other major artists in the genre such as the Soweto Gospel Choir, Peter Gabriel, and the group of Miriam Makeba. Now, recruits a tour de force of global talent for his latest single Smile. Released August 14th of this year, the infectious single is characterised by its strong rhythms, global influences, and masterfully intricate composition.
Smile’s driving force is its undeniable rhythm influenced strongly by South and Central American musical styles, namely rumba and cha cha. However, jazz and RnB influences elevate the song with its positive vocals and message, and instrumentation such as that of American bassist Joseph Patrick, bassist for Steward Copeland of the Police.
Smile’s arrangement is in a way a testament to Aria’s decades spanning legacy in the music industry. With over 120 tracks making up the song (with most contemporary songs only reaching 50), Smile was recorded with older analogue set-ups that retain the individual frequencies of each instrument with more fidelity than their modern counterparts at this complex layering. In doing so, it demonstrates the mastery that comes with having been in the industry for so long now, such is the case with Aria.
The single and its accompanying music video continue in Aria’s trend of global collaboration. As viewers will see, the video brings together the smiles of those from all backgrounds, who interpret the dance of Smile with spontaneous and unique gestures. Behind the scenes, English author Nicolette Turner penned the lyrics which were sung by vocalist Ariel Jones, who also interpreted the song in Portuguese after contributing the lyrics in her native tongue. Smile’s Portuguese version is to be released in the South American market.
Prior to Smile, Aria’s successes have included charting in his native Italy and abroad, rotation on BBC Radio, millions of streams and views on his songs and videos, and charitable drives to help causes close to the artist’s heart. These causes include defending human rights, saving near extinct animals, and fighting apartheid, to name a few.
Smile is a song of universal brotherhood that hopes to bring people of all walks and creeds together through dance. The single is available across all platforms now.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7gk7om5XNA2sfXvXPq1H2x
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lco834ehS7Dtha6bS7AUy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf_HFi_4KOI
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AriaTheComposer
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/smile-single/1700688680
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aria/1618070725
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ariathecomposer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariathecomposer/?hl=en
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