A super-talented Irish family has inched ever closer to seeing their musical dreams come true with the news that they’re set to follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest musical icons of all time. RICK BLASKEY, who once headed up the international division of the Arista US record label, is the man who oversaw the teenage WHITNEY HOUSTON‘s global launch. And now, having just signed Newbridge family THE MAHERS, he’s getting ready to do the same thing for them.

Speaking after the signing, Mr. Blaskey had no hesitation in explaining why he saw similarities he just couldn’t ignore between the late singer and actress, and The Mahers, remarking, “I always approached launching Whitney as so much more than just launching a new record; so same with The Mahers.”

That element of ‘more’ that Mr. Blaskey referred to is clearly evident in the new single from The Mahers, both in terms of the song itself and its stunning performance. Released in January, LULLABY FOR THE WORLD – given its literally global theme which is so brilliantly illustrated by the lyrics of master songwriter BRENDAN GRAHAM – has the potential to outrun any notion of it being merely another song. And with Earth Day 2021 coming up on April 22nd, this is a song and a sentiment that is sure to resonate with younger generations all across the globe.

The involvement of Brendan Graham – a man who has two Eurovision winners to his name and who also penned the lyrics to the worldwide hit You Raise Me Up – as part of the songwriting team (co-written with James McMillian) was always going to ensure that this song was something special. But the impassioned performance of young RUBY Maher, who teams up with her dad DAVE and sisters STACY and ROBYN on the track, is what imbues Lullaby For The World with its driving, anthemic heart.

Based in London, made in Leeds, Ten Hands High’s sound is an eclectic mix of the alternative scene, spanning genres to encompass the best of indie rock, anthemic pop and uni nostalgia.

After releasing their debut single in January 2019, they proceeded to play several packed-out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band were in creative overdrive, releasing 5 singles in 5 months and selling out their debut London headline set at the Hope and Anchor in Islington.

Their 2020 output which was labelled their ‘Phase 2’ consisted of three singles – Red Wine, 6 Weeks and Silent (With You) and propelled them to BBC Introducing airplay, and top playlists like Spotify UK’s ‘Student’s Union’ and This Feelings ‘Best New Bands’. Silent (With You), which was made BBC Introducing South’s Track of the Day signalled a shift in musical direction for the band, towards more R&B and Hip-Hop influenced indie rock. This sound will be the focus of phase 3, in which their debut EP will be released.

‘Sweet’ is the first song and title track of the up and coming Indie quartet’s debut EP (slated for late May). The first line of this song encompasses its overall message – “I’ve forgotten what tears taste like, I’ve been sweet for a while”. It’s a song about finally getting over someone you’ve been in love with (or at least thought you were in love with) for years. This song and EP mark a step into a new genre for the band as they enter phase 3, combining our indie rock roots with elements of alt-pop/rnb.

With uniquely characteristic melodies, Agi is stepping into the music world with a profound effect. Based in Leeds, UK, her experiences with session work and collaboration, alongside an upbringing of multiple genre influences have inspired her artist project. Her distinctive electro-pop sound, filled with captivating vocal performances and an engrossing narrative of living relationships is a refreshing twist on the current pop music dynamic.

Commanding attention from the very first note, Mauvey is the name on everybody’s lips in his latest track ‘I’m The Ish’.

A bouncy alt-pop melody that blends peppy high pitched percussion with thumping 808’s, he exudes pure confidence in his vocals, steering the single with ease. His fusion of alternative hip-hop and R&B is electrifying, with the glossy production by French Pirates, making a second listen irresistible. Fluctuating between singing and rap, the Vancouver based artist boasts his many accolades, and proves why he is one of the most anticipated up-and-comers of the year. Explaining the inspiration behind the track, Mauvey quotes “I’M THE ISH is about confidence. It’s about going after what you want without hesitation. I’M THE ISH means that finally, I’m not afraid to wear my confidence and use it. I want it to mean the same for anyone that listens to it”.

Born in Ghana, West Africa, Mauvey was raised between London and Canada, each country’s musical culture appreciable within his sound. Inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson, Andre 3000, The Weeknd and Childish Gambino, his ability to establish an unforgettable rhythm is akin to that of his heroes. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious MOBO Help Musicians Fund, as well as gaining significant air time on Huw Stephens’ BBC Music Introducing on Radio 1 and Jams Supernova on Selector Radio.

A star in the making, Mauvey has all he needs to take him there, and ‘I’m The Ish’ is an electrifying start to the year for the singer-songwriter.

Grammy award winning producer/songwriter duo A2 Productions team up with emerging singer/songwriter Mari Cray to revivify the Soul II Soul club classic ‘Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)’ – independently released and available to listen now via A2 Music / Peace Bisquit.

Radiating with electric energy, the euphoric ‘Back To Life’ revamp brings a form of escapism; taking it back to the nostalgic summer of 1989 when the Soul II Soul chart-topper was released and blasted through the nightlife scene worldwide. Inspired by the global pandemic, A2 and Mari Cray wanted to share a little love with the world and re-created this timeless hit as a positive reminder that we will one day get back to ‘reality’.  Recorded and produced separately in 2020 as they all faced lockdown restrictions in different countries – A2 Production have created a progressive up-tempo version that gives the earworm the ultimate revival. Its garage infused, funky electric guitar led bassline compliments Mari Cray’s quirky, souring vocal.

‘Back To Life’ is the first fruits of an evolving eight-year working relationship between A2 and Mari. However, neither act anticipated it would be their first release together. On the single, Mari Cray explains: “I think we’re all longing to get back to the dance floors, laugh, mingle with friends again and share our realisations after all this time in lockdown. ‘Back to life’ feels like a great anthem for that, a reminder and a celebration of life.”

A2 Production adds: “We were experimenting with live instrumentation with what sounded like the future, and Mari brought colour to that world – she tied it all together.” They add “We’ve learned a lot of lessons that have prepared us for the space we’re in right now. It’s one thing to work with Britney or Justin and contribute to their success stories, it’s another thing to have a hand in the nurturing, growth and facilitation. To be a part of the journey and evolution of Mari Cray supports our long-term vision of having a label full of dynamic artist… but, she’s our star… our flagship act.”