Jeeni Blog

Helping the next generation of talent to build a global fanbase

Artist Focus: Alana Sukul

/ By Doug Phillips
Artist Focus: Alana Sukul

Stirring together funk, dancehall and electronic ingredients, Alana Sukul is rapidly building momentum with her unique take on modern pop. 

Brand new to Jeeni, Alana Sukul has contributed five new tracks to several of our channels due to her music casting such a huge stylistic net. Born and raised in Fulham, Alana is currently studying Popular Performance, Vocals at BIMM, London where she continues to hone her already impressive skills as a vocalist, instrumentalist, producer and songwriter. Only recently, for her more dancehall inspired tracks, has Alana used external talent in the form of a producer to help her capture the tone and intention she has in mind. Aside from that, Alana is a total DIY bedroom pop artist and has done extraordinarily well for herself, particularly with her recent track, ‘Closer’ which currently has over 50,000 listens. Check out Alana’s Jeeni showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/alana-sukul/  

The poeticism in Alana’s lyrics is perfect for expressing emotive imagery that plain language simply can’t. ‘Emotions, heavy like water and you let me drown’, this particular line from ‘Healing’ seems reminiscent of the Mexican idiom, ‘blood is thicker than water’ meaning that family bonds are stronger than that of friends or love; the connection between the two adages is especially relevant considering the heart-broken yet regenerative narrative of this stellar track from 2020. 

Although it would seem that the double single of the aforementioned ‘Healing’ and ‘IDNYT’ is Alana’s first release, she actually created a since-deleted concept project in college, as Alana puts it herself, “I made my first EP called ‘Genesis’ purely based around the struggle of mental health and how it can take a toll on one person.’  

Nobly, Alana decided that the EP could be too honest and beak a project for fans to initially be exposed to, “I decided at 19 to remove the EP since I wanted to become a better inspiration for those who listen to my music and encourage them more lightly”. Ironically however, the ‘Genesis’ project and the creative decision that it inspired still formed her origin as an artist as is inspired her to begin again with a new mindset. This is when Alana began to work on ‘Healing’ and ‘IDNYT’ from her bedroom. 

Alana’s broad sense of style is of no surprise when you consider the colourful collection of inspirations that she collected growing up. Motown, soul and hip-hop have influenced a lot of creative choices from Alana, however Caribbean-originated genres literally run through the veins of her more recent singles. Alana grew up with a variety of Caribbean styles thanks to her parents, “dancehall, soca and bashment have greatly influenced me since my parents are from the Caribbean”. 

Alana also has an extensive list of artists she looks up to and dreams to collaborate with, “Vocally, my favourite artists nowadays who have impacted me would be Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Kehlani, H.E.R, Beyoncé and so much more.” Alana specifically credits Korean group, BTS for inspiring more in-depth meaning behind her music and lyrics.

The newest track from Alana, ‘Good to you’ is an atmospheric and stunning single and is available on streaming platforms now. Check it out on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/good-to-you-alana-sukul/?channel=alana-sukul&rtn=btasc&artist=alana-sukul  

How can Jeeni support artists like Alana Sukul?  

JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience. 

artist biography

• We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.  
• We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.  
• We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.  
• Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team. 

16
Mar

Prettyboyface – ‘HighSkool’ Single Review

With a throwback boom bap beat and laid-back hooks, London’s Prettyboyface makes a splash with his first 2022 single, ‘HighSkool’.  Prettyboyface is a rising power in London’s underground rap scene and is brand new to Jeeni’s mission. He has so far contributed eight tracks to Jeeni’s hip-hop and rap channels, including three music videos, ‘Goddess’, ‘Escargot’ and the single in discussion, ‘HighSkool’. Seeing that Face is yet another Jeeni artist that is at the very early stages of their discography, Jeeni can’t wait to see what other projects Face releases in the future.  ‘HighSkool’ opens with a sparkling sample that lays down the main foundation of the instrumental before the beat enters and completes it. When the percussion does enter, the composition falls into place in a satisfying and impactful fashion, ready for Face to contribute his formidable vocal talent. He opens with a title-based wordplay for the repeating, “you man went to high school, I went school, high’ hook.   Face’s rapping delivery is quickly becoming a recognisable and unique hallmark of his. His voice is recorded very close to the microphone, resulting in intense, clear and intentional performances. His voice is heard well over all other parts of the track, especially when he double-tracks his rapping when the hook re-enters. His delivery is unquestionable, commanding and confident which is refreshing when compared to other rappers who opt to slur and mumble their rapping, which although certainly has its place in corners of rap music, hasn’t got a patch on lucid and accessible alternatives, heard here in full-force from Prettyboyface.  This being the first single from Face certainly makes certain promises for the near-future of his craft and has no-doubt inspired hope in his growing fanbase. Check out Prettyboyface’s showcase on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/prettyboyface/ How can Jeeni support artists like Prettyboyface?  album review album review album review  JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.  • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.  • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.  • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.  • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team. 

05
Jun

How to Apply To Play Music Festivals & Events Across the World

I found this great article on Di++O website with links to current UK and overseas opportunities. It's really useful and very informative, as it is up to date and also has direct links to the festival or event where you can apply - so super helpful. Remember, before you apply to perform at any of these music festivals and events, be sure to read the application instructions and conditions carefully for the best chance of success. Some events may only accept submissions from artists of certain styles and genres, so make sure your act fits the bill before submitting your application. CURRENT UK & EUROPE OPPORTUNITIES Are You Listening? Festival | April 2020 | Reading, UK | Apply here Live at Leeds | May 2020 | Leeds, UK | Apply here Hanwell Hootie | May 2020 | London, UK | Apply here Mello Festival | May 2020 | Worcestershire, UK | Apply here Elderflower Fields | May 2020 | East Sussex, UK | Apply here The Great Escape | May 2020 | Brighton, UK |Apply here Sound City | May 2020 | Liverpool, UK | Apply here Leestock | May 2020 | Suffolk, UK | Apply here Wychwood Festival | May 2020 | Cheltenham, UK | Apply here Camden Rocks | May 2020 | London, UK | Apply here Long Division Festival | June 2020 | Wakefield, UK | Apply here Sweden Rock | June 2020 | Sölvesborg, Sweden | Apply here Eden Festival | June 2020 | Dumfries, Scotland | Apply here Isle of Wight Festival | June 2020 | Isle of Wight | Apply here Beacon Festival | June 2020 | Oxford, UK | Apply here Sea Sessions | June 2020 | Donegal, Ireland | Apply here Leigh Folk Festival | June 2020 | Essex, UK | Apply here Black Deer Festival | June 2020 | Kent, UK | Apply here Kendal Calling | July 2020 | Kendal, UK | Apply here Y Not? Festival | July 2020 | Derbyshire, UK | Apply here Ampthill Festival | July 2020 | Bedfordshire, UK | Apply here EskFest | July 2020 | Cumbria, UK | Apply here Nibley | July 2020 | Cotswolds, UK | Apply here Daxonbury Festival | July 2020 | North Bedfordshire, UK | Apply here Techfest | July 2020 | Nottinghamshire, UK | Apply here El Dorado | July 2020 | Herefordshire, UK | Apply here Ipswich Music Day | July 2020 | Ipswich, UK | Apply here Barn On The Farm | July 2020 | Gloucester, UK | Apply here Brainchild Festival | July 2020 | East Sussex, UK | Apply here Not a Cult Festival | July 2020 | Worcestershire, UK | Apply here Nass Festival | July 2020 | Somerset, UK | Apply here Beat-Herder | July 2020 | Lancashire, UK | Apply here Ashford Festival in the Park | July 2020 | Kent, UK | Apply here Shankra Festival | July 2020 | Lostallo, Switzerland | Apply here Nozstock | July 2020 | Herefordshire, UK | Apply here Boomtown | August 2020 | Hampshire, UK | Apply here 110 Above | August 2020 | Leicestershire, UK | Apply here Off Festival | August 2020 | Katowice, Poland | Apply here Humber Street Sesh | August 2020 | Hull, UK | Apply here Beyond the Woods | August 2020 | Lincolnshire, UK | Apply here Farmer Phil’s Music Festival | August 2020 | Shrewsbury, UK | Apply here Arctangent | August 2020 | Bristol, UK | Apply here Green Man | August 2020 | Brecon, UK | Apply here Beautiful Days | August 2020 | Devon, UK | Apply here Weyfest | August 2020 | Surrey, UK | Apply here Victorious | August 2020 | Portsmouth, UK | Apply here Valley Fest | August 2020 | Bristol, UK | Apply here Phoenix Festival | August 2020 | Cotswolds, UK | Apply here Cambridge Folk Festival | August 2020 | Cambridge, UK | Apply here Off The Tracks Festival | August 2020 | Leicestershire, UK | Apply here End of the Road | September 2020 | Dorset, UK | Apply here Illusive Festival | September 2020 | Northamptonshire, UK | Apply here Worcester Music Festival | September 2020 | Worcester, UK | Apply here Euroblast | September 2020 | Cologne, Germany | Apply here Live at Heart | September 2020 |Örebro, Sweden | Apply here Reeperbahn Festival | September 2020 | Hamburg, Germany | Apply here Equinox Festival | September 2020 | Lincolnshire, UK | Apply here Waves Vienna | September 2020 | Vienna, Austria | Apply here Moseley Folk Festival | September 2020 | Birmingham | Apply here Mercat de Musica | September 2020 | Barcelona, Spain | Apply here Iceland Airwaves | November 2020 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Apply here CURRENT USA, CANADA & SOUTH AMERICA OPPORTUNITIES Tiny Lights Festival | June 2020 | Ymir, Canada | Apply here Blue Ox Festival | June 2020 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Apply here NXNE | June 2020 | Toronto, Canada | Apply here Nelsonville Festival | June 2020 | Nelsonville, Ohio | Apply here Epicenter Festival | May 2020 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Apply here Music at the View | May 2020 | Tonasket, Washington | Apply here Texas Music Showcase | July 2020 | San Antonio, Texas | Apply here Red, White & Bluegrass Festival | July 2020 | Beaver Creek, Ohio | Apply here Hopscotch | September 2020 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Apply here Arise Music Festival | August 2020 | Loveland, Colarado | Apply here Springfield Indie Soul Fest | August 2020 | Springfield, Massachusetts | Apply here Rock al Parque | August 2020 | Bogota, Colombia | Apply here Americanafest | September 2020 | Nashville, Tennesee | Apply here Deadwood Jam | September 2020 | Deadwood, South Dakota | Apply here Strawberry Music Festival | Spring/Fall Annually | California | Apply here Joshua Tree Music Festival | Spring/Fall Annually | Joshua Tree, California | Apply here CURRENT AUSTRALIA, AFRICA & ASIA OPPORTUNITIES Bali Spirit Festival | April 2020 | Bali, Indonesia | Apply here Cape Town Coffee Festival | May 2020 | Cape Town, South Africa | Apply here Bayimba International Festival | August 2020 | Uganda | Apply here Winter Fest | August 2020 | Lesotho | Apply here Music Matters | September 2020 | Singapore | Apply here Maldon Folk Festival | October 2020 | Maldon, VIC, Australia | Apply here Mushroom Valley | October 2020 | Yalboroo, QLD, Australia | Apply here Tablelands Folk Festival | October 2020 | Yungaburra, QLD, Australia | Apply here Queenscliff Music Festival | November 2020 | Queenscliff, Vic, Australia | Apply here Thanks Di++O Team for such a great article, we have sent links to your website so that our members can find out more. https://www.dittomusic.com/ Our next blog will pinpoint what you need to consider once you have applied and been accepted to play. We are going to create a check-list that our members can actually use. Best of luck and let us know how you got on.

08
Dec

Single Review: Gohan by DarkStarGraver

DarkStar’s newest single, ‘Gohan’ fully showcases his capabilities of structuring melodic hip-hop bangers, complete with ear-worm hooks, rumbling sub kicks and impeccable vocal production.   Tracks like these are dangerous because you hear it once and you’ll be hearing it all day long. In DSG's newest teaser single, a delicate flamenco guitar provides the moody, minor chord progression, enforced by the sub bass kick drums. Production value like this is that what you’d expect from an act with DefJam or TDE, not a self-releasing rapper. DSG uses a vocal effect here on 'Gohan' that has proved to be a massive crowd-pleaser before, on ‘CodeRED’ from last year’s ‘Burning Bridges’ EP. The rich harmonies and multitracking heard in the choruses on ‘Gohan’ is something that his voice takes to particularly well. DarkStar certainly isn’t scared of his own vocal capabilities; a confidence that really makes a difference on the mic.  Last week, DSG disclosed some of his most prominent influences to Jeeni for our Artist Focus which included names like Tyler, The Creator, Skepta and OutKast. However, DarkStar’s sound doesn’t really seem to line up with any of these artists, at least not on a surface level. Perhaps it's the mindsets and lyrical tendencies of these artists that resonates with DSG because in actuality, DarkStarGraver is really paving his own path in the world of hip-hop, a path that truly, justly deserves so much more attention, appreciation and worldwide respect.   And to think that this is DarkStar’s genesis, his early work, and he’s operating at this level of skill and artistic understanding, it is so exciting to think what’s ahead for this artist’s career.  'Gohan' was released with a vibrant and psychedelic music video that emphasises the bouncy and contagious tone this single sets. As the track ends, DSG fades in the artwork for his new album, "Over The Bridge & Far Away", set to be released this Christmas Eve. With singles like these teasing the contents of this upcoming project, you can't help but get excited for the release of DSG's debut album. Check out the 'Gohan' music video now on Jeeni: https://jeeni.com/darkstargraver-gohan-official-music-video/ How can Jeeni support artists like DarkStarGraver?   JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.   • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.  • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.  • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.  • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team  Check out DarkStarGraver’s Jeeni page: https://jeeni.com/?s=DarkStarGraver