Premier Unsigned

This week is a bit sad as it is actually the last Unsigned Radio show and therefore the last Podcast episode.  I started the Unsigned show back in 2008 and I’ve loved discovering new artists and new music and in turn introducing them to you.  Along the way we’ve given many artists their first radio interview, championed them along the way and celebrated their victories with them too.  Please do always support independent artists by following them, buying their music and turning up at their shows and of course sharing and spreading the word about their music – it really does make a difference. So it brings me to our final guest at the end of an era.  This week we get to chat to the wonderful Rachel Jane a talented pop singer and songwriter from Bath in South West England about her new single, My Way, which features Joshua Luke Smith. The single came out just yesterday and she’ll tell us about her new EP which will be out very soon too.  So for the last time, enjoy!

This week we are talking to an artist who is now based in Germany after spending 10 years here in the UK.  Carina de Vetter has released music with her husband Sam but this is her first solo release. So I’m delighted to get to know her and introduce you to her and also to celebrate her new music.

This week we have someone who is not new to music or the scene at all.  Lorraine Clarke-Mcghie has a rich history in music as a previous member of the London Community Gospel Choir, backing vocalist, music teacher and now artist in her own right. Lorraine’s track Closer has done so well and now a brilliant garage remix.  I’m looking forward to this chat and I think you will enjoy it too.

My guest this week is singer, songwriter and worship leader Geraldine Faith, of Ugandan descent and residing now in South London we’ll be talking about her new EP, Response, which she just had an online launch for. Geraldine has been through a lot in terms of her mental health over the last year or so and has also become a mum for the first time so it’s a particularly amazing achievement for her to release this music and we certainly want to celebrate it with her.

Our guest this week is Emmanuel Smith - worshipper, singer/songwriter and The Voice UK semi-finalist.  We first met Emmanuel at the end of 2018  before his stint on the hit show so it will be so interesting to hear what he learned through the experience and he has brand new music out, sticking to his worship roots so of course we’ll hear that too. Enjoy!

Today on the podcast it’s something of a reunion as our guest was on the show in the very early days of Unsigned.  In fact, he was involved in a competition we ran 7 or 8 years ago. As you can imagine he’s come a long way since then and has just released a worship single, Unchanging Changer, a message we definitely need to hear in these uncertain times.  Glenn Gwazai is my guest so do enjoy our long overdue catch-up.

Our guest this week is Evie Asio a soulful singer songwriter with influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Vulfpeck to Nao. Evie has spent time experimenting with her sound and what she wants to say as an artist and she feels that she is finally at a place where she is ready to share her music with the world. With a new single ‘Pendulum’, out now and an album release planned for later on in the year, it’s my pleasure to introduce her to you.

This week we are going soulful and funky as I’m joined by Aylwin Steele the frontman of a brilliant group called The Zealots.  They have just released an incredible new single and have more music on the way.  They are definitely a band you just have to see live so make sure you’re following them so you get to be the first to hear about that opportunity. Enjoy! Follow @thezealotsuk 

This week  we welcome back to the show, rapper A Star.  I love chatting to A Star as not only is he incredibly talented but he is one of the ones who is not afraid to talk about the real stuff in life, you know the struggles as well as the victories.  Well he has a brand new album out called Born and Raised and let’s just say it’s pretty incredible. I’m looking forward to hearing some insight into the stories behind the songs as he joins us on the show tonight.

Our guest this week is Sharee Lewis a talented singer, songwriter and rapper who will be talking about her new single, Time.  The song is all about finding your identity and who you are when you’ve not had a great start in life.  It’s a powerful track and she describes it as the first part of her  testimony, including what it was like to grow up in the care system. She’s very brave to share her story with the world. Sharee is an amazing artist and I think you’re going to be really inspired by her.Follow @artmadewrong on Instagram to find her

My guest tonight was actually with us not long ago but in a different capacity. We last talked to him as part of new worship collective, Throne Room Family but today he is here in his own right and has returned to his funky roots. Connor Patterson will be talking to us about his new single, First Move.

My guest tonight is a brand new gospel artist called Philippa Bamgboye.  We’ll be talking about her debut EP, Be Renewed, motherhood and female role models.  She has an incredible voice and I’m excited to see where her musical journey is going to go.

My guest tonight had a bit of a self-imposed hiatus from the music scene and his brand new EP, Cry Like A Man, talks about why.  South London rapper, Triple O has faced some of his most difficult challenges in life and it’s incredibly brave of him to detail the journey through this new EP. It’s hard-hitting, creative and important. I feel privileged that he agreed to share some of that with us on the show. Be encouraged and be inspired! 

We first met this week’s guest back in the early days of the Unsigned show when he was Pete McAllen. He’s still Pte McAllen but these days, musically at least, he goes by the name Pyramid Park. It has been amazing to follow Pete’s journey from strength to strength, from a Cambridge based worship leader to full time Independent, alternative-pop singer songwriter touring internationally. Now he is about to release a new album, and the next single drops next week.  So I’m so looking forward to our chat and I think you’re going to enjoy it too!

We’re taking a slightly different angle tonight as my guest first contacted me about an event he is involved with on the 22 Feb called IGNITE which is all about mental health awareness.  It sounded fantastic but my interest peaked when he also explained that with his band they have recorded an EP also called IGNITE which releases in a couple of weeks to support the event and which tells some personal stories. So I just had to invite Surj in to tell me more not only about the event but also about his band, Space Between Us and the new EP.  Surj himself has Aspergers and battles with anxiety, he’s also a great musician and an inspiration. You’re gonna be inspired by Surj and the project in many ways so sit back and enjoy!

Our guest tonight is the talented Cat Rhea, her voice packs a punch and she has a powerful story to match. Cat is not new to the music industry after being a signed artist but ending up very damaged from her experience, finding God pulled her through. Now, she begins a new chapter with her brand new single, Freedom Reigns which features Joshua Luke Smith.  We get to know her on the podcast today.

It was 2016 when I last had my guest tonight on the show, her EP ‘The Process’ still remains one of my go-to relaxation and de-stress listens. She’s been busy on tour with the likes of Childish Gambino, Tom Odell and Kojey Radical and somehow she has still found time to record her own EP which has just released called ‘Woman’. I’m talking about the soulful songstress Liz Lubega and it’s a pleasure to have her back.

Now it’s an artists’ prerogative to evolve and it can sometimes take a while for them to truly find their sound. Well, our guest today was a rapper when we first met him with a hard-hitting message and some sick beats. He still has powerful words to say but his style, delivery and genre have somewhat changed and I have to say I love it. His name is Inderpaul Sandhu and his brand new project, The Colindale Tape just dropped this week and he’ll be telling us all about it. 

Today we meet a husband and wife duo who released their debut Ep a few months ago. Gemma from Bournemouth and Timo from Germany are called The Forrest Feeling which is a name I love and I’m intrigued to hear the story behind that and their EP is called ‘Hello Future, can we be friends’. I love being introduced to new music and I know you do too so sit back and enjoy.

Today for our first show of 2020 and indeed of the new decade, we meet singer/songwriter, Serena Dalton. Serena is originally from West Sussex and has been releasing music as an independent artist since 2015. Serena has been releasing music since 2015 although she took a break while studying at Bethel in the U.S for a few years. Her passions are music and justice and she’s even managed to combine the two for a few projects. Serena has new music out this week with her new single, ‘Sweetheart’ and she’ll be telling us all about it.

Well here we are at the end of 2019 and it’s been a great year for Independent Christian artists releasing some incredible music  so before we get into 2020 we thought we’d take a look, or rather a listen back to some of our favourite releases of 2019. Includes music from; Neona, Bryony Sier, Sharyn, JW Musiq, Bianca Rose, Lydia Evangeline, James Francis, Jennifer Kamikazi, Wyld, Sharlene Monique, Marc Jones, Rebekah Fitch and Faith Child. Please continue to support independent Christian artists and music into 2020.

This week is the Christmas Special 2019 – some of our Favourite Unsigned Artists performing their own unique versions of their favourite Christmas songs. Includes music from Asha Elia, Becca Folkes, Steph Macleod and Jennifer Kamikazi

This week is a very special episode as I get to chat to one of my first ever guests on the Unsigned radio show.  He was on in the first 6 months of the show and has probably been on every year since then which just goes to show his tenacity, consistency and longevity with his music. I’m talking about Rapper, Faith Child of course and it’s also a very special weekend for him as this weekend he celebrates his iconic Illumination album which has its 10 year anniversary, with a dynamic headline show in London.  So on today’s podcast you’ll forgive us if we take a trip down memory lane and reminisce a bit and of course I’ll be asking him about the secret of his success in an industry that is difficult to have any kind of sustainability.

I’m so excited to get to know my guest this week. Her name is Samantha Lindo and she is a Jazzy, soulful artist from Bristol.  Sam is a brilliant songwriter with a real passion for justice. So much so that her latest single, Lips, was inspired by the women she was arrested with earlier this year when she protested for climate change alongside them. She articulately tells her story of finding her sound and expressing her need to speak truth through her music. It looks like she is set to make a big impact next year in more ways than one so remember her name.

Tonight we finally have gotten around to having the wonderful Rae Rae on the show.  Rae Rae is a soulful, gospel singer from London who has gone from strength to strength in just a couple of years; vocally, musically and even performing in Europe.  She has just released a powerful new track and we thought it was about time that we got to know her a little better, so enjoy.

Today we have a long overdue catch up with Tom Read, alternative-pop independent singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader based in Oxford.  Tom has a new EP out in the Spring of 2020 and is just about to release a 2nd single which we exclusively played last week on the show. Tom once wrote, recorded and released a song every month for a year and the experience is really what launched his independent artist career. I love the things he writes about so I’m really looking forward to our chat today and I think you’re going to love it too.

I am particularly excited about my guest on the podcast today as I have been trying to get an interview with her for a long time. We’ve been enjoying her music on the Unsigned show for a couple of years but as she is based in Belfast it has always been difficult to coordinate and interview.  Rebekah Fitch is an Alternative pop singer and songwriter from Belfast and she has recently moved to London. She also has a headline show coming up at the end of the month so lots to talk about. Her music is dynamic and well written and she is also a great performer so I’m so glad today we finally get to know her a bit better.

This week my guest has the remarkably impressive name of Dimitiri ‘Wolfy’ Mackintosh.  Wolfy, as he’s known, recently released his 2nd EP which is called ‘Chapters’. He manages to combine being a singer-songwriter, worship leader and spoken word artist all on this project and he says each song represents a different chapter in and of itself. It’s my first time meeting Wolfy and I think you’re going to enjoy it as much as I did.

This week my guest is Shardz. Shardz is a Grime/rap artist from East London who says he has a heart to combine Gospel truth with lyrical flows to reach his generation for Christ through his music and lifestyle. He’s also a full time youth worker, delivering mentoring, youth advocacy, and education, training and employment support for high risk young people involved in gang culture and serious youth violence. His latest release came out at the end of the Summer an EP entitled 'Grime Roots' and last month he held a spectacular EP launch party bringing together a whole host of old and new school Gospel grime artists to perform sets and engage in a big rap cypher. He’s a young man and a new artist having an incredible impact so it’s my delight to introduce you to him.

This week my guest is Cambridge based singer-songwriter Navina. Navina is a multi-instrumentalist and produces her own music too. She moved to London earlier this year to progress her music career and she also has a brand new single out called Pieces. We’ll be talking to her about it all on the podcast today.

This week on the podcast my guest is Zangi, an artist who describes his music as Kenglish as he is from Kenya but now based in the UK and his music is influenced by both cultures. Zangi was last on the show back in the Spring and he’s been busy working on new music since then. Zangi always uses his musical platform to say something significant and it’s exactly the case with his latest releases which are two singles addressing important issues of loneliness and loss in one, and xenophobia in the other. He’s also one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met passionate about his faith and his music as you’re about to hear..

This week Throne Room Family are our guests on the podcast. They are a brand new worship collective and Connor and Kate from the group will be joining us. We have in fact met Connor Patterson before when he’s been on the show in his own right as a jazz funk musician.  When he was last with us he spoke very bravely about losing his dad very suddenly and the impact it’s had on him and those who knew and loved his dad when he shared a song he’d written for him. Well his dad’s legacy continues as Throne room family actually started off as an idea to pay tribute to Connors father and ended up turning into a worship project and a new group. It’s inspiring to hear how God really does use all things together for good so enjoy.

This week our guest is Lydia Rose who we first met when she released her debut single, Cold back in 2017. Lydia is a singer songwriter based in London and she has just released her debut EP, Read it Slowly, this week! It’s always exciting when an artist releases a debut project. Lydia’s songs are beautiful and contain some wonderful stories so we’re going to enjoy finding out more about her inspiration behind the songs and her journey as an artist on the Podcast this week. 

This week on the Unsigned podcast the wonderful Mariam is our guest.  Mariam, a singer/songwriter and guitarist hailing from South London, combines her soulful vocals with a blend of pop, soul and folk with thought provoking lyrics that will get you thinking and bopping your head. A self-professed story-teller, an ability she credits to her Nigerian heritage, although she was born and raised in London, she has grown up in strong roots and culture. Mariam is also a member of the Kingdom Choir and is fresh from a U.S tour with them but has just released her first single for some time, it’s aptly named Long Time coming and is a collaboration with James O’Keefe.Follow@mari.songs on Instagram 

Kemi Sulola is an artist born and raised in the heart of East London. Kemi’s music stems from a range of musical influences, from Neo-soul, Hip-hop RnB to Reggae and Jazz, all leading to a unique combination of authentic music. Although still young Kemi has been releasing music and performing for some years enjoying considerable success until three years ago she was suddenly struck down with a rare and serious health condition that meant she couldn’t walk for some time, experienced a lot of pain and her appearance dramatically changed. Kemi is only just beginning to talk about her condition and despite all she has gone through is still producing music and feels more determined than ever to shine her positive light in any way she can as she seeks healing from God. Kemi is a true inspiration so prepare to be challenged and inspired by this week’s episode.

This week Soulful Singer/songwriter from South London, Ruth-Ellen is our guest. Ruth-Ellen has not only been consistent in putting her own music out there but also champions other independent and emerging artists in her regularly live music night, ‘Ruth-Ellen and friends’.  She released a new single, ‘Over the Wall’ just last month and it’s from her upcoming LP, Transit and we’ll be asking her about it all on the podcast today.Follow her on Instagram: @itsruthellen

This week we meet a new artist – one of my favourite things. I was instantly impacted by the uniqueness of this artist’s voice and style of song-writing when I first came across it earlier this year and I’ve wanted her on the show ever since. Latifah Makuyi, is originally from South Africa.  Born towards the end of Apartheid, she was the first mixed-race baby to be born in the hospital in the town where her parents lived. Now based in Sheffield in the U.K. Latifah released her debut EP, Eternal Gospel, back in May. Her first single, was an indie worship track called Strong In The Fire’, and the whole project was produced by Dan Stirling, who's known for his work with Rivers & Robots! Latifah is a talented, interesting and funny guest. You’re going to enjoy this episode.

This week we have our second rapper from Croydon in a row! The incredible Still Shadey only became a Christian less than 3 years ago and he’s wasted no time in making a mark musically for the Kingdom.  His debut Album, Croydon Baby, has just come out and it’s a very generous 17 tracks worth of challenge, testimony and inspiration. Today we talk to him all about the rollercoaster ride he’s been on and his hopes for this latest project as well as his views on the youth violence epidemic in the UK and what the Church can do about it and the powerful part music plays.

Our guest on the Podcast today has had an incredible journey since his debut single release, wrestling, which was just last year. Marc Jones is a rapper from Croydon, South London and his growth has been steady and remarkable. Last week saw the release of his debut EP ‘Progress’ and progress is indeed what he has made. Follow him on Instagram @marcjonesartist

This week we chat to a newly rebranded James Aaron. James, a member of the Kingdom Choir, is also a talented RnB/Soul singer in his own right based in London. We met him as James Francis a couple of years ago when he released his first single, Want it all. In this episode we find out what he’s been up to since then (having a baby and singing at a certain Royal wedding) and why the new name. Mostly though we’re celebrating the banger of a new single he’s releasing at the end of this month called ‘Feeling’.__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned 

This week we are in conversation with the wonderful Dinachi, hailing from Nigeria and now based in the U.K she blends elements of folk, Gospel and soul effortlessly in her story-telling music. Dinachi has released a beautiful new single just yesterday called, Lights Go Out that was written especially for a major Nollywood motion picture. We’ll be hearing about how her journey has progressed as an artist since we last had her on the show for her release of her album Parables in 2017 and of course we’ll play the stunning new track.__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned

My guest for this episode is Chloe Reynolds who is such a hard-working and dedicated independent artist.  She will often be found lugging her keyboard up and down the country and sleeping in her van, gigging endlessly all the name of music.  In fact, one year she did 279 gigs! Chloe has an amazing new album out called Arise which I think is so fitting for this wonderfully talented singer and songwriter and you’re going to get to know her a lot better in this episode too.__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned

My guest on the Podcast this week has had an incredible year.  She was already doing very well as an independent artist whilst also being an active and core member of a choir who happened to be asked to sing at the Royal wedding of Meghan and Harry last year (as you do) - The Kingdom Choir.  Sharlene Monique has been a committed member of the choir for a long time and as well as enjoying the new limelight their wedding appearance has brought to the choir, Sharlene Monique has been busy using the platform to further her own solo career too and it has gone remarkably well, from re rereleasing songs to touring the UK and Europe, she is putting in the work and it is certainly paying off. Sharlene has a beautiful new single out released this week called Diamond Woman and it’s as empowering as she is. Enjoy!__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned

This week my guest is Joel Clements who is based in Bath in the South West of England. Joel is part of the ‘Orphan No More’ creative community based there and just released his debut EP, Falling Forward, last month. The project tackles mature themes, wrestles with important questions and ultimately explores what God’s grace really looks like. It’s a very strong first project and Joel talks about his journey as an independent artist and shares some of the stories behind the songs too.__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned

This week our guests are husband and wife duo Mas who are Steph and Michael Dickinson from Margate. The second single from their up-coming debut ep is on the way and they are carving out an interesting and unique journey for themselves. Steph runs a music charity for disadvantaged young people and Michael is a music teacher. The duo say they feel they are also in an interesting place musically; exploring a space in-between a few genres. They’ve written some songs to facilitate passionate worship in the church but they’re also exploring themes which go beyond that – it’s an exciting and refreshing mix. Steph also has been very transparent about her mental health struggles and talks candidly about it in this episode along with how the Church can deal with mental health better.  You are going to want to check out their EP when it drops but first let’s get to know Mas in this week’s podcast episode.__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned

This week we have a very honest conversation for you with our guest, Manchester based producer, Wyld, or Paul to his parents. Wyld has steadily grown in influence and stature as a producer over the last couple of years, largely due to some impressive collaborations he’s released with exciting, emerging artists at the tipping point of their careers all around the world. Collaborations from New Zealand with Cass and more recently with Sstedi in the U.S. have put Wyld’s name on many people’s lips and his music on many playlists. Paul has been very candid about his journey, the highs such as the success of these collaborations to the lows; struggling with his mental health and being on the verge of giving up.  Paul’s natural curiosity has played a big part in his continued growth as a creative, as a producer and as a person and you’re going to really enjoy our chat.__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned

This week on the Unsigned Podcast our guest is the hugely talented Matt Featherstone. Matt is a Franco British soul/jazz singer with soulful vocals and a vintage sound.  Matt has recently released his debut EP 'Beyond' with co-writer and arranger Corben Lee.  Matt is no stranger to the music scene he’s Prinicipal flautist of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and grew up in a very musical family, singing backing vocals for his father, in church and in various gospel choirs from a young age. A busy session singer, backing vocalist for various artists in France and the UK, and beatboxer with Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra, he has only recently found his voice as a songwriter. Matt is proud to present this body of work as an introduction to his sound (influenced by Allen Stone, Lalah Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, jarrod Lawson, Gregory Porter...) and his reflective lyric writing and we’re pleased to introduce you to his phenomenal talent.__________________________www.mattfeatherstonemusic.co.ukwww.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned 

People often say they didn't choose their calling, their calling chose them, but in Jennifer Kamikazi's case, this is literally true:  With no musical background at all, after reading a scripture she felt God say to her that she was going to be an artist.  She prayed and then suddenly found she could sing and write songs and picked up a guitar and playing came easily to her.  It's a miraculous story but her talent is obvious.  With her story-telling songs that she says are influenced from her Rwandan roots and her unique voice, Jennifer is an enchanting artist to say the least.  This week on the Unsigned podcast, Jennifer tells her story and brings some insight to the songs on her latest E.P, Wander in Wonder.Jennifer is and Independent Artist and owns the rights to her music. It is used in this Podcast with her permission.__________________________www.jenniferkamikazi.comwww.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned 

Becca Folkes is an award-winning gospel music artist, with an incredible voice and a passion to match.She has done incredibly well as a young gospel artist in the UK, but her journey has not been without its hardships. Becca recently started speaking out about sexual abuse she suffered as a child – a secret she kept for over ten years.Now God is using her story and her music to bring freedom to other victims and those who feel bound in shame. Becca’s new E.P, ‘The Trilogy’, has just been released, and she describes it as a commentary on the roller coaster ride she has been on for the last three years.You’ll hear about her journey as an artist, deciding to focus on gospel music rather than the mainstream, her struggle with staying consistent, and the freedom she’s found in speaking out what she calls ‘her truth’.  We have much to learn from this bright young talent in this honest and inspiring chat.__________________________www.safemusicmanagement.comwww.premierchristianradio.com/unsignedwww.premiergospel.org.uk/unsigned