Jeeni Blog

Helping the next generation of talent to build a global fanbase

Maple Sky, ‘Vision’ Single Review

/ By Doug Phillips
Maple Sky, ‘Vision’ Single Review

The already multi-faceted smooth jazz outfit, Maple Sky broaden their sound once more with this explosive, brand-new funk banger, named ‘Vision’.  

Maple Sky have been a key component of Jeeni’s jazz channel (https://jeeni.com/channel/all-channels/jazz/) since last September and after a few different iterations, it seems that the group have found their most effective formula of members and mindsets.  

Maple Sky have evolved. Their sweet lounge jazz tracks have their place and are performed and written superbly however, the control and dare I say, vision contained in this piece is so far, unparalleled in their work. Each instrument expresses individuality and flows with different breathes and personalities, yet they still exist solely in the context of each other and act as a part of a dynamic and expressive synergy.  

Maple Sky told Jeeni that drummer, Ed Jordan handles the production of the group’s latest work and he’s done a fantastic job handling all of the energy that Joel, Olivia, Christian and of course, himself brings to this track. Ed gives more space to the instruments via natural-feeling reverb which creates physical dimensions and atmosphere to the funky soundtrack.

Keyboardist, Joel Bamigboye also has a hand in production and produced the entirety of the group’s self-titled EP from 2020. The group’s consistent musicianship has meant that this change-up of producers has so far not created any kind of conflict or contradictions in their tone and sound. 

Following ‘Free Her’, their new EP, set to be released later this year is shaping up to be their strongest yet. 

‘Vision’ is set to be released on Saturday, the 5th of February. 

Follow Maple Sky on socials: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mapleskyband  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MapleSkyBand/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapleskyband/  

Check out Maple Sky’s showcase on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/maple-sky/  

How can Jeeni support artists like Maple Sky?  

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. 

13
Jul

The People's Lounge, Victorious Festival - NNAOMI

NNAOMI is an R&B/Soul artist based in Portsmouth, UK and is influenced by a wide variety of us/uk artists and musicians. Having just started up her music career with her drive and passion. Recently releasing her contemporary R&B single and music video ‘Like me’, with heavy R&B and pop influences. 'Like Me' is available on all streaming platforms. And even with releasing just two singles so far, it's clear that she has a bright future in music. With more music coming soon, she can only continue to grow as an artist. Moreover, NNAOMI looks forward to growing within the music industry. She will be performing at this year's Victorious Festival with The People's Lounge on Friday 27th August. NNAOMI is a perfect example of an independent singer songwriter that Team Jeeni can support, by having a showcase on Jeeni.com. 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. Check out NNAOMI's showcase here: NNAOMI | Showcase | JEENI. As well as other showcases to add to your playlist. jeeni.com. The People's Lounge, Victorious Festival NNAOMI will be performing at the Victorious Festival Friday 27th August 20:30 – 20:45 World Music Village, The People's Lounge, presented by Baby Panna. Bringing some of the Freshest Rap, Rnb, Afrobeats and Hip hop sounds from around the World to Portsmouth from Thursday 27-29  August 2021.

02
Feb

I K 8OY - ‘Let You Know’, single review

Stirring together afroswing with tuneful rapping, the first official release from Nigerian/British rapper, I K 8OY is a shimmering and glossy UK hip-hop achievement.   A new addition to Jeeni, I K 8OY began creating music back in Nigeria as a part of a band and moved to the UK to study. He began writing and recording music more centered around rap in 2018 however, like many artists, the pandemic caused a change in creative direction and I K began to take more inspiration from home and incorporated afrobeat ideas into his work. Jeeni is looking forward to propelling I K 8OY and increasing his outreach with our global platform.  The smooth, silky nature of 'Let You Know' is reminiscent of J Hus’s debut album, ‘Common Sense’. This likeness is particularly due to a grand approach to production and the luxurious electronic keyboard which warbles the jazzy chords across the syncopated beats. A jazz-scaling saxophone is positioned in the distant right of the stereo space and does an incredible job in advancing the suaveness and confidence of the track.  The tuning of percussive instruments, heard clearest in the intro, is archetypal of traditional Nigerian instrumentation such as the Dùndún or ‘Talking Drum’. A plucking palm-muted guitar then joins the tuned percussion and creates an ingenious polyrhythm that sits underneath the main beat. Although subtle, this attention given to the beat is such an effective device and really separates this track from other progressions in UK hip-hop genres.   I K’s voice is gravely, authoritative and demands your attention, so it’s certainly not coincidental that I K 8OY has named Rick Ross as one of his main influences. His rushed and unique rap delivery is catching to the ear and contrasts with the easygoing instrumental accompaniment. Stay tuned, because if ‘Let You Know’ is anything to go by, I K 8OY is just getting warmed up.  Album review Check out I K 8OY’s Jeeni Showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/zhgeii1xjlpg/   How can Jeeni support artists like I K 8OY?   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. 

07
Mar

Julience - ‘Love Lies Cold’ Single Review

Julience’s continues his one-man effort in keeping rock alive with this impactful hard rock ballad, ‘Love Lies Cold’.  Hailing from The Netherlands, Julience moved to Manchester to pursue his dream in music where he has been harking back to the golden age of rock ever since. This single is the multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter's second single and Jeeni is excited to be able to feature Julience’s fantastic throw-back tracks on our rock and guitar channels as they release. Check out Jeeni’s rock channel here, https://jeeni.com/channel/all-channels/rock/. And check out Julience’s Jeeni showcase here, https://jeeni.com/showcase/julience/?view=about.  Rock music is very robust; time and time again, it has come so close to disappearing only to revive itself and evolve to fit better into modern music climates. The difference with Julience is that he refuses to dilute the music he loves to conform to fit anything other than himself. Even in the infancy of his discography, he’s gained recognition and respect for keeping an older form of rock alive in the present day. Julience has been featured on over 30 playlists on streaming platforms with titles like ‘Punk Goes Pop’, ‘Retro Now Rock’ and ‘Rock ‘n Roll isn’t Dead’.  The only modernisation Julience grants himself is the clarity and up-to-date standard in his production and performances. Something specific that separates Julience from other modern rock groups is his truly guitar-centric compositions. It can sometimes feel as though the art of the guitar solo is slowly getting lost and becoming something of an artifact but Julience’s electric interjections teased from the very beginning eventually come to fruition as a finger-tapping, string-bending celebration of musicianship that ties the entire piece up.  Among the rock n roll hall of fame legends that Julience clearly looks up to, specific inspirations that come to mind from 'Love Lies Cold’ include Billy Idol, Guns N’ Roses and most notably, Iron Maiden. This 80s era is where rock was at its most mainstream and so Julience’s decision to honour that time is a lot of fun. It’s also so satisfying to see him fill in a market for those that weren't quite ready to say goodbye to those days.  Check out ‘Love Lies Cold’ here: https://jeeni.com/love-lies-cold-julience/.  How can Jeeni support artists like Julience?   JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.  album review album review album review • 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.