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OCULATE UK - DIGITAL COVER 003 - DECEMBER 2024
Review: Finn Foxell - MAMAS BOY
Versatile, Personal and Exuding Confidence. A Belting Debut Album from Finn Foxell.
Oculate UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music from the past week. Featuring: Sasha Keable, Cheetah & Nia Archives, Finn Foxell & more.
REVIEW: JD Cliffe - misfit.
JD Cliffe’s debut EP ‘Misfit’ opens with intention. This isn’t a project trying to win over everyone or play it safe. It’s a body of work that swings between grime, punk, R&B, and indie without asking for permission. JD Cliffe is done playing nice.
Oculate UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music releases from the past week. Featuring BXKS, Barry Can't Swim, JID, Chip, Artemas & more.
The Music Industry – Meritocracy or Daddy’s Walletocracy?
I’m sure many saw Sam Fender’s recent comments. The three-time Brit winner has had an incredibly impressive career so far; his debut album soared to the top of UK charts, with his most recent also enjoying similar success.
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| SOUND OF THE UK |
Kadeem Tyrell is a Smooth Operator on KT.FM
Currently moving in his own lane, driving forwards to the sound of ‘KT.FM’, the Battersea-based artist has channelled his musical vision...
SL Reveals A New Layer On ‘Paranoia’ Continuing The Shift He Started With 'Robbery'
SL’s latest single, Paranoia, continues the shift he started with Robbery. This isn’t just another track, it’s the next piece in an ongoing narrative. One that’s getting darker, tighter, and more personal.
Nia Archives Launches Up Ya Archives With Debut Single “Get Loose”
Nia Archives launches her own label, Up Ya Archives, with a punchy debut single “Get Loose” featuring Bristol’s rising jungle artist Cheetah. Combining soca energy with bass-heavy jungle rhythms, it marks the start of a new chapter in her mission to spotlight new-gen junglism.
Review: Finn Foxell - MAMAS BOY
Versatile, Personal and Exuding Confidence. A Belting Debut Album from Finn Foxell.
REVIEW: JD Cliffe - misfit.
JD Cliffe’s debut EP ‘Misfit’ opens with intention. This isn’t a project trying to win over everyone or play it safe. It’s a body of work that swings between grime, punk, R&B, and indie without asking for permission. JD Cliffe is done playing nice.
Manga Saint Hilare Fires Back At The Haters With ‘140 World Problems’
Grime veteran Manga Saint Hilare drops surprise single ‘140 World Problems’, his first solo release of the year, blending sharp flows and social commentary over Freeza Chin production. Fresh off the deluxe release of ‘Everything Is Under Control’, he reminds you why he’s still one of the sharpest voices in the scene.
Ava Joe Announces Her Debut EP ‘Try Me’ With The Moody 'Eleanor Close'
Ava Joe doesn’t play the victim, even when she’s singing about heartbreak. Her debut EP 'Try Me' is five tracks of slow-burn intensity; dusty guitars, jazz-leaning melodies, and lyrics that cut deeper the more you sit with them.
Anna Lunoe Teams Up With Yiigaa to Rework Pearl Into Club Music With A Soft Centre
Anna Lunoe teams up with South London’s Yiigaa to rework Pearl, the title track from her 2024 debut album. ‘Pearl (Find My Way)’ strips the original to its emotional core, letting space, softness, and vulnerability guide the dancefloor.
MRCY's ‘Wandering Attention’ Comes In Bold
London duo MRCY return with ‘Wandering Attention’, a punchy, emotionally-charged track that sets the tone for VOLUME 2. It’s confident, heavy with meaning, and builds on their rising status as one of the UK’s most exciting new live acts.
Charlotte Plank Cuts Through The Noise With The Unfiltered 'Candy Stores'
‘Candy stores’ is unfiltered, messy, loud - and that’s the point. Charlotte Plank cuts through the noise with a track built on jungle-leaning production and a hook that doesn’t let go.
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GET TO KNOW: JERUB
It’s been hard to miss the passion and depth of rising star JERUB, with his effortlessly soulful vocals paired with poetically powerful lyricism, he has cemented himself as an artist to watch over the last few years.
Amassing over 65 million streams across two EP’s, JERUB has gained major support and recognition from BBC Radio 1’s Greg James, Madonna, Tom Grennan and a plethora of magazines and radio stations across the globe. Beyond his social presence, JERUB has proved his musical craft and experience through jaw-dropping performances, supporting respected artists including JP Cooper, Gavin James, and Victory Ray whilst also selling out countless headline shows.
His new single Deeper gives us an authentic and raw insight into JERUB’s emotional world, an undeniably powerful song about “Showing up for someone, not just when things are good, but when they’re at their lowest. Loving without conditions—through the mess, the doubt, the days when they don’t even feel worthy of it”. Produced by the industry-renowned Edd Holloway (Tom Grennan, Lewis Capaldi) the two found a spark of passion and interest from a voice note on JERUB’s phone, leading to the song’s creation.
We recently caught up with JERUB to hear more about his journey to get here, his new single Deeper, Nottingham, his upcoming headline tour & more…
Amassing over 65 million streams across two EP’s, JERUB has gained major support and recognition from BBC Radio 1’s Greg James, Madonna, Tom Grennan and a plethora of magazines and radio stations across the globe. Beyond his social presence, JERUB has proved his musical craft and experience through jaw-dropping performances, supporting respected artists including JP Cooper, Gavin James, and Victory Ray whilst also selling out countless headline shows.
His new single Deeper gives us an authentic and raw insight into JERUB’s emotional world, an undeniably powerful song about “Showing up for someone, not just when things are good, but when they’re at their lowest. Loving without conditions—through the mess, the doubt, the days when they don’t even feel worthy of it”. Produced by the industry-renowned Edd Holloway (Tom Grennan, Lewis Capaldi) the two found a spark of passion and interest from a voice note on JERUB’s phone, leading to the song’s creation.
We recently caught up with JERUB to hear more about his journey to get here, his new single Deeper, Nottingham, his upcoming headline tour & more…
GET TO KNOW: KOJ
When we think of the UK rap scene, we might assume that our attention is best left exclusively to the genre’s nucleus, London. But, we would argue that only having eyes for this portion of the scene is like watching just the first five minutes of your favorite film on its 50th rewatch; you know it's great, but can you really say you've experienced the whole thing?
While there’s been a steady stream of names rising from the North over the last few years, notably Nemzzz, Aitch, Meekz, and Aystar, it’s been left to a few legacy names - think Bugzy Malone - to switch the full beams on their cities rather than on their output alone.
While rap fans are gradually evolving, and their priorities with them, it doesn’t change the fact that, at its core, rap has always been about rebellion and highlighting the gritty realities of UK cities. Now enter Liverpool-hailing rapper KOJ, an artist wearing his city like the proudest of sportsmen and on a mission to tell both his own story and that of his hometown. On his ascent, KOJ has brandished a stark and slick pen, one that allows him to blend deep emotional storytelling with a level of lyrical dexterity fit for the UK’s main stage.
Now, releasing his debut EP, Villain With A Conscience, we caught up with KOJ to discuss the story behind the project, the importance of emotional vulnerability in LY, and the rising Liverpool rap scene he’s hoping to spearhead.
While there’s been a steady stream of names rising from the North over the last few years, notably Nemzzz, Aitch, Meekz, and Aystar, it’s been left to a few legacy names - think Bugzy Malone - to switch the full beams on their cities rather than on their output alone.
While rap fans are gradually evolving, and their priorities with them, it doesn’t change the fact that, at its core, rap has always been about rebellion and highlighting the gritty realities of UK cities. Now enter Liverpool-hailing rapper KOJ, an artist wearing his city like the proudest of sportsmen and on a mission to tell both his own story and that of his hometown. On his ascent, KOJ has brandished a stark and slick pen, one that allows him to blend deep emotional storytelling with a level of lyrical dexterity fit for the UK’s main stage.
Now, releasing his debut EP, Villain With A Conscience, we caught up with KOJ to discuss the story behind the project, the importance of emotional vulnerability in LY, and the rising Liverpool rap scene he’s hoping to spearhead.
GET TO KNOW: ATRIP
Once cultivating his current sound during the 2020 lockdown, ATRIP has gained recognition with high-profile collaborations and remixes, including work with Disclosure and Poté. Fostering community through pub meet-ups before gigs, with a busy tour schedule, ATRIP is set to become a dancefloor staple.
We caught up with ATRIP to delve deeper into his influences, his musical career, and more...
We caught up with ATRIP to delve deeper into his influences, his musical career, and more...
GET TO KNOW: MACKWOOD
Mackwood, the multifaceted drummer, producer, and bandleader, is making waves in the UK jazz scene with the release of his debut album, Master Changes. His genre-blurring sound merges modern electronic production with live instrumentation, creating a dynamic and unpredictable listening experience. Having already captivated audiences at festivals like Cross The Tracks and Wilderness, Mackwood is set to bring his vision to life with a headline show at Peckham Audio on October 22nd. This marks a significant moment in his career as he steps into the spotlight with his unique approach to jazz and electronic fusion.
| UP AND COMING ACTS |
Kadeem Tyrell is a Smooth Operator on KT.FM
Currently moving in his own lane, driving forwards to the sound of ‘KT.FM’, the Battersea-based artist has channelled his musical vision...
Nia Archives Launches Up Ya Archives With Debut Single “Get Loose”
Nia Archives launches her own label, Up Ya Archives, with a punchy debut single “Get Loose” featuring Bristol’s rising jungle artist Cheetah. Combining soca energy with bass-heavy jungle rhythms, it marks the start of a new chapter in her mission to spotlight new-gen junglism.
REVIEW: JD Cliffe - misfit.
JD Cliffe’s debut EP ‘Misfit’ opens with intention. This isn’t a project trying to win over everyone or play it safe. It’s a body of work that swings between grime, punk, R&B, and indie without asking for permission. JD Cliffe is done playing nice.
Ava Joe Announces Her Debut EP ‘Try Me’ With The Moody 'Eleanor Close'
Ava Joe doesn’t play the victim, even when she’s singing about heartbreak. Her debut EP 'Try Me' is five tracks of slow-burn intensity; dusty guitars, jazz-leaning melodies, and lyrics that cut deeper the more you sit with them.
Claudia Valentina Strips It Back With “Cry Them Dry”
Claudia Valentina opens “Cry Them Dry” with no gloss, no filter, just raw heartbreak. If you’ve been following her, you’ll know that brutal honesty is kind of her thing.
DJ Gigola Returns With Bigroom Sensual II Offering Club Intensity With No Compromise
There’s no filler on Bigroom Sensual II. Just two heavyweight club tracks - Bailarina and Gigolo - that manage to carry DJ Gigola’s high-gloss production style without giving in to EDM excess.
Anna Lunoe Teams Up With Yiigaa to Rework Pearl Into Club Music With A Soft Centre
Anna Lunoe teams up with South London’s Yiigaa to rework Pearl, the title track from her 2024 debut album. ‘Pearl (Find My Way)’ strips the original to its emotional core, letting space, softness, and vulnerability guide the dancefloor.
MRCY's ‘Wandering Attention’ Comes In Bold
London duo MRCY return with ‘Wandering Attention’, a punchy, emotionally-charged track that sets the tone for VOLUME 2. It’s confident, heavy with meaning, and builds on their rising status as one of the UK’s most exciting new live acts.
Julia Wolf & Badger's ‘In My Room (Remix)’ Is Garage Pop Done Right
Julia Wolf teams up with UK producer Badger for a garage-fuelled rework of her viral hit ‘In My Room’. It’s a shift in tone but not in impact, this remix turns internal tension into dancefloor catharsis.
Charlotte Plank Cuts Through The Noise With The Unfiltered 'Candy Stores'
‘Candy stores’ is unfiltered, messy, loud - and that’s the point. Charlotte Plank cuts through the noise with a track built on jungle-leaning production and a hook that doesn’t let go.
| INTERNATIONAL ACTS |
Oculate UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music releases from the past week. Featuring Anime, hard life, Kwn, Loyle Carner & more.
Bunky Becky Birthday Boy: An Absurdly Fun Pop-Metal Triumph from Sleigh Bells
Whether you love them, hate them or never even heard of them: Sleigh Bells are something else. They return with new album, Bunky Becky Boy.
A Chaotic 34-Track Goodbye to OWSLA - ‘F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3'
Skrillex doesn’t do things by the book. Instead of a carefully planned rollout, he leaked his own album, sending a Dropbox link to fans
Self Indulgent, Audacious and at Times, Infuriatingly Glorious - 'MUSIC' is Here
Playboi Carti's new album 'MUSIC' has finally been released, and it's been five very long years to get to this point...
Agency, Identity, and Imposter Syndrome Scrutinised in Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso’s New Album 'PAPOTA'
The musically brilliant Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso ride the wave of their summertime success from NPR’s Tiny Desk with new album, PAPOTA.
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| LATEST POSTS |
Kadeem Tyrell is a Smooth Operator on KT.FM
Currently moving in his own lane, driving forwards to the sound of ‘KT.FM’, the Battersea-based artist has channelled his musical vision...
SL Reveals A New Layer On ‘Paranoia’ Continuing The Shift He Started With 'Robbery'
SL’s latest single, Paranoia, continues the shift he started with Robbery. This isn’t just another track, it’s the next piece in an ongoing narrative. One that’s getting darker, tighter, and more personal.
Nia Archives Launches Up Ya Archives With Debut Single “Get Loose”
Nia Archives launches her own label, Up Ya Archives, with a punchy debut single “Get Loose” featuring Bristol’s rising jungle artist Cheetah. Combining soca energy with bass-heavy jungle rhythms, it marks the start of a new chapter in her mission to spotlight new-gen junglism.
Review: Finn Foxell - MAMAS BOY
Versatile, Personal and Exuding Confidence. A Belting Debut Album from Finn Foxell.
Oculate UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music from the past week. Featuring: Sasha Keable, Cheetah & Nia Archives, Finn Foxell & more.
REVIEW: JD Cliffe - misfit.
JD Cliffe’s debut EP ‘Misfit’ opens with intention. This isn’t a project trying to win over everyone or play it safe. It’s a body of work that swings between grime, punk, R&B, and indie without asking for permission. JD Cliffe is done playing nice.
Manga Saint Hilare Fires Back At The Haters With ‘140 World Problems’
Grime veteran Manga Saint Hilare drops surprise single ‘140 World Problems’, his first solo release of the year, blending sharp flows and social commentary over Freeza Chin production. Fresh off the deluxe release of ‘Everything Is Under Control’, he reminds you why he’s still one of the sharpest voices in the scene.
Ava Joe Announces Her Debut EP ‘Try Me’ With The Moody 'Eleanor Close'
Ava Joe doesn’t play the victim, even when she’s singing about heartbreak. Her debut EP 'Try Me' is five tracks of slow-burn intensity; dusty guitars, jazz-leaning melodies, and lyrics that cut deeper the more you sit with them.
Claudia Valentina Strips It Back With “Cry Them Dry”
Claudia Valentina opens “Cry Them Dry” with no gloss, no filter, just raw heartbreak. If you’ve been following her, you’ll know that brutal honesty is kind of her thing.
DJ Gigola Returns With Bigroom Sensual II Offering Club Intensity With No Compromise
There’s no filler on Bigroom Sensual II. Just two heavyweight club tracks - Bailarina and Gigolo - that manage to carry DJ Gigola’s high-gloss production style without giving in to EDM excess.
Oculate UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music releases from the past week. Featuring BXKS, Barry Can't Swim, JID, Chip, Artemas & more.
Anna Lunoe Teams Up With Yiigaa to Rework Pearl Into Club Music With A Soft Centre
Anna Lunoe teams up with South London’s Yiigaa to rework Pearl, the title track from her 2024 debut album. ‘Pearl (Find My Way)’ strips the original to its emotional core, letting space, softness, and vulnerability guide the dancefloor.
MRCY's ‘Wandering Attention’ Comes In Bold
London duo MRCY return with ‘Wandering Attention’, a punchy, emotionally-charged track that sets the tone for VOLUME 2. It’s confident, heavy with meaning, and builds on their rising status as one of the UK’s most exciting new live acts.
Julia Wolf & Badger's ‘In My Room (Remix)’ Is Garage Pop Done Right
Julia Wolf teams up with UK producer Badger for a garage-fuelled rework of her viral hit ‘In My Room’. It’s a shift in tone but not in impact, this remix turns internal tension into dancefloor catharsis.
The Music Industry – Meritocracy or Daddy’s Walletocracy?
I’m sure many saw Sam Fender’s recent comments. The three-time Brit winner has had an incredibly impressive career so far; his debut album soared to the top of UK charts, with his most recent also enjoying similar success.
Charlotte Plank Cuts Through The Noise With The Unfiltered 'Candy Stores'
‘Candy stores’ is unfiltered, messy, loud - and that’s the point. Charlotte Plank cuts through the noise with a track built on jungle-leaning production and a hook that doesn’t let go.
Oculate UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music releases from the past week. Featuring Anime, hard life, Kwn, Loyle Carner & more.
Jim Legxacy’s ‘stick’ Builds On The Hype For 'Black British Music'
Jim Legxacy doesn’t waste a second on ‘stick' as the track lands fast, with compressed vocals, a sliding melody, and no filler.
Kidwild Offers A Gritty Snapshot Of The Come-Up On 'Rock Bottom'
Kidwild has stripped things back but still hits hard. It's not dressed up or dressed down, it just is how it is.
Loyle Carner Is Back With New Music, a Glastonbury Headline Slot, And His Acting Debut
Loyle Carner is back with his just dropped a double single, 'all i need / in my mind’ and it hits different.
Oculate UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music releases from the past week, featuring: Chy Cartier, PinkPantheress, Wet Leg & more
Bunky Becky Birthday Boy: An Absurdly Fun Pop-Metal Triumph from Sleigh Bells
Whether you love them, hate them or never even heard of them: Sleigh Bells are something else. They return with new album, Bunky Becky Boy.
Little Simz Announces Her Biggest Shows Ever
Little Simz has stepped up a level - with her first ever arena shows at London's O2 Arena and Manchester's Co-Op Live later this year.
A Chaotic 34-Track Goodbye to OWSLA - ‘F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3'
Skrillex doesn’t do things by the book. Instead of a carefully planned rollout, he leaked his own album, sending a Dropbox link to fans
Dancing, Connection, Electronic Music & The Science Behind Why We Need Them All
Filmed over the span of two years, We Become One is an inspiring and affirming new documentary journey from Alpha Theta.
OCULATE UK: This Week In Music
Oculate UK's round-up of all the highlights in new music releases from the past week.
Is It Really Goodnight? A Witty and Heart-Wrenching Studio Debut from Celeste Madden
Musician/songwriter Celeste Madden releases a re-worked version of 'Is It Really Goodnight?', her witty and heart-wrenching studio debut EP
Mychelle Returns With Delightful New Single 'You Don't Care About Me'
Hackney singer-songwriter Mychelle returns with 'You Don’t Care About Me', alongside exciting news that she’ll join Jorja Smith on tour
Tim Lyre and BINA. are an open book in ‘Storytime’
London and Lagos collide as Tim Lyre links up with BINA. to tell both sides of a fractured romance ahead of his new album SPIRALS
Confessions of a Lover Boy: No Guidnce Steal Our Hearts Again
British R&B group No Guidnce triumphantly return with their latest EP, Confessions of a Lover Boy
Fera Unveil The Urban Fly Capsule Blending The Two Contrasting Worlds Of Fashion And Fly Fishing
Fera’s Urban Fly Capsule launches as a new chapter in outdoor-inspired fashion that speaks directly to young urban adventurers.
West London's Olympia Vitalis Drops Reflective New Soul Single ‘Younger’
Crafting a track that’s both uplifting and soothing, Olympia Vitalis delivers vibrant soulful energy on 'Younger'
Wretch 32 Announces Highly-Anticipated New Album, 'Home?'
Alongside the announcement, Wretch 32 also treated fans to a new single, 'Like Home' with Teni this past week.
Self Indulgent, Audacious and at Times, Infuriatingly Glorious - 'MUSIC' is Here
Playboi Carti's new album 'MUSIC' has finally been released, and it's been five very long years to get to this point...
Ellie Dixon and piri Team Up for 'Guts' Remix Offering A Fresh Take on an Anthem of Anxiety
Ellie Dixon has just dropped a new remix of ‘Guts’, and this time, she’s teamed up with piri, one half of the duo piri & tommy.
We Take A Look Back On Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly' To Mark 10 Year Since It's Release
10 years of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly is a moment to look back at an album that changed the conversation in hip hop.
Aminé Unveils His Buoyant 2025 Return, ‘Familiar’
The Portland-hailing rapper examines failed relationships in newest single, as he sets the stage for his forthcoming album set to release la
Clavish on D&B? New K Motionz Track 'H20' is a Certified Hit
New single 'H20' showcases the best of K Motionz D&B skill, along with Clavish's versatility.
Agency, Identity, and Imposter Syndrome Scrutinised in Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso’s New Album 'PAPOTA'
The musically brilliant Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso ride the wave of their summertime success from NPR’s Tiny Desk with new album, PAPOTA.
BXKS And Travy Link Up For The High Energy Collab ‘Guestlist’
BXKS and Travy have joined forces on a new track, ‘Guestlist’, bringing together two of the most distinct voices in alternative rap and grim
Léa Sen Announces Debut Album 'Levels' With New Single ‘Lvl 6 - Video Games’
Léa Sen is stepping into a new chapter with her debut album Levels, out 30th May via Partisan Records. Known for her unique blend of
ZABALA Unveil New Eyewear Collection Alongside polette
Menswear brand ZABALA has recently collaborated with sustainable optical brand polette to create ‘Seeds: The Beginning of a Vision'
Lancey Foux Steps Into the Rave Scene with Club Inspired Double Single: 'DANCE ON ME' & 'DANCE ON ME IN THE CLUB'
Lancey Foux's 'DANCE ON ME' and 'DANCE ON ME IN THE CLUB' blend commanding 808s with a dreamy bassline, blurring lines between dance and rap
Houghton Festival Announces its Second Wave of Acts: Joy Orbison, Samuel Deep, Budino, Doc Martin & More
Houghton Festival has released its second wave of acts to take over Houghton Hall in August, further adding to an already impressive line-up
Shivani Day is Back With Brooding ‘Know When You Call’
Blending Dancehall, Reggae, Trip-Hop, and Electronica on her latest single, Shivani Day delivers a space-age ode to ‘crying in the club.’
Soft Play Bring Punk Mayhem to BRITs Week 2025 in London
BRITs Week 2025 continued its run of exclusive, intimate gigs with a riotous performance from SOFT PLAY at Village Underground.
FORWARDS Festival Drops Incredible Line-up With Doechii, Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective, Barry Can't Swim & More...
Bristol's highly coveted FORWARDS Festival has announced it's line-up for the 2025 edition, and it's safe to say, they have delivered.
ARKA IS 'ALIVE' ON HIS LATEST SINGLE
Carving his own lane between indie and rap, Hastings multi-genre artist Arka has delivered 'Alive', his first single of 2025.
JORDS IS BACK WITH ‘THE REAL SURVIVE’
London rapper Jords returns with his first release of 2025 switching lanes between his signature flow, alt-R&B melodies and latin flavours.
KEN KAIO BOUNCES THROUGH THE WINTER BLUES WITH A CONFIDENT NEW TRACK '3D6'
The Hertfordshire born musician Ken Kaio has dropped his first track of 2025, the bouncy and confident, ‘3D6’
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