Michael Kiwanuka

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  • GIANT STEP

    New Remix: Selah Sue – “Ragamuffin” ft. J.Cole (by Supa Dups) + Debut Album & US Tour

    May 16th, 2012

     

    So yeah, after watching the video for “This World” we’re basically in total adoration of Belgian singer Selah Sue – act like you don’t want to hug her right now.

    Selah Sue’s self-titled debut album is already multi-platinum in parts of Europe, having earned its place in top 10 charts in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. The US version of the album will include three exclusive tracks: “On the Run,” “Break,” and “Fade Away.” On the album people can expect collaborations with J.Cole, Cee-Lo Green, Jerry Wonda, and Meshell Ndegeocello.

    Blending pop, soul, funk and reggae, the music is never dull. The reggae vibes are strong and absolutely groove worthy on the new “Raggamuffin” remix by Supa Dups and featuring J.Cole – it premiered today on Hot 97, and we’ve got it for streaming below!

    Look out for Selah’s album to drop in the US on August 21. In the meantime, catch the rising star on tour, which will include The Roots Picnic on June 3!

    Tour Dates
    05/18/12 WASHINGTON DC – U STREET (Supporting BETH ORTON)
    05/27/12 LOS ANGELES, CA – UCLA JAZZ REGGAE FESTIVAL
    5/30/12 NEW YORK, NY – BOWERY ELECTRIC
    5/31/12 NEW YORK, NY – ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL
    06/03/12 PHILADELPHIA, PA – ROOTS PICNIC

    Facebook | Twitter | Official Site

    Video: Ilhame – “Still Waiting” ft. Ky-Mani Marley (Bob Marley Cover)

    May 16th, 2012

     

    Now based in LA, French-Moroccan vocalist Ilhame (pronounced “Eelum”) has got a very special treat for us Bob Marley lovers out there. “Still Waiting” is her cover of Bob’s “Waiting In Vain,” which also includes an breathtaking guest feature from Ky-Mani Marley.

    The gorgeous video above is directed by our good pal Andre Power, and follows the darling Ilhame on a dreamy sequence of her day. Oh, and did we mention that the song is in French and Arabic?!

    Look out for Ilhame’s debut album Just Wish It to drop this year – it’s going to feature Nicolay, Shafiq Husayn, T3, and Big Pooh, just to give you a little taste.

    Facebook | Soundcloud


    Michael Kiwanuka

    Video: Miles Bonny & B.Lewis – “Bottom to Top”

    May 16th, 2012

     

    So, it’s been at least a month that you’ve been rocking Miles Bonny & B.Lewis’ new project, the Egg Black EP.

    Our favorite track off the project, “Bottom to Top,” gets an explosive video treatment. The video portrays a smoky kaleidoscope-esque haze of a couple doing their due diligence in the bedroom. Lots of skin and romping about – it’s almost like trying to make out those scrambled channels! Yep, we took it there.

    Bandcamp

    New Release: The Sugarman 3 – ‘What The World Needs Now’ + Stream

    May 16th, 2012

     

    The Sugarman 3 are flexing something serious on this new album, which also happens to be their first in ten years. What The World Needs Now was written and recorded in four days, and you’d never be able to tell with the timeless retro funk and soul tunes on this project has going on.

    Stream the entire project at Paste Magazine.

    Purchase What The World Needs Now on iTunes | Amazon

    Facebook | Twitter | Official Site


    Maxwell

    Video: speakers – “And Her Too”

    May 16th, 2012

     

    Last week, the LA duo speakers released their debut New Frequency EP.

    Fusing dance, R&B, hip-hop and electronic pop, speakers have created a sound that can’t help but stick to your eardrum. Watch their new girl crazy video for “And Her Too” – for these guys, there’s no such thing as too many women.

    Today, speakers premiere their video for “And Her Too” on VEVO which was directed by Cameron Duddy (who has previously worked with Bruno Mars and AWOLNATION). The track will impact at radio on June 11th.

    Purchase New Frequency EP on iTunes

    Facebook | Twitter | Official Site


    New Release: Rye Rye – ‘Go! Pop! Bang!’

    May 15th, 2012

     

    Yeow! One thing you cannot deny is that the colorful Baltimore vocalist Rye Rye has got enough personality for about twelve of us. The M.I.A. protégé today released her debut album Go! Pop! Bang!.

    The fun electronic album is easily pop worthy with production from producers like Pharrell and Bangladesh as well as guest appearances from Akon, Robyn, and M.I.A. Below, sample the album and after the jump watch the electrifying video game themed video for “Boom Boom” – we promise that removing your eyes from the screen will not be easily achieved.

    Enter our contest to win Go! Pop! Bang!

    Tour Dates
    5/15 – New York City – Kiss & Fly
    5/15 – New York City – Atrium
    5/16 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom *
    5/18 – Baltimore, MD – Sound Garden
    6/9 – Boston, MA – City Hall Plaza
    6/10 – Indianapolis, IN – The Egyptian Room *

    * = w/ Santigold

    Purchase Go! Pop! Bang! on iTunes | Amazon

    Facebook | Twitter | Official Site

    “Boom Boom” video after the jump

    New Release: Jazzanova – ‘The Funkhaus Studio Sessions’

    May 15th, 2012

     

    So, we know it’s been a while of you sitting on your hands trying to contain yourself since hearing the Alex Barck edit for Jazzanova’s “I Human.” Today, you can let the circulation back into your hands and rejoice with the epic group’s release of The Funkhaus Studio Sessions.

    The project is Jazzanova’s first live album, which brings together its two producers, Stefan Leisering & Axel Reinemer along with the original Jazzanova touring band. Above, watch the magic in the video for “Believer” featuring Paul Randolph.

    Purchase on iTunes | Amazon

    Facebook | Twitter | Official Site

    Survey: Giant Step Community Feedback + Win Prizes

    May 15th, 2012

    Family,

    Thank you for all your support, whether you have been with us for a number of years or are new to the Giant Step community.

    We are committed to bringing you the very best in music culture. In order for us to improve and serve you better, we need your feedback, hence this short survey.

    Take the Survey + Enter to Win Prizes here

    At the end of the survey, you’ll have a chance to win sweet prizes, including:

  • SOL Republic ‘Tracks HD’ Headphones
  • Spotify Premium Accounts (6 Month Subscriptions)
  • Vinyl Packs: Classic Giant Step Records + New Releases
  • Thanks in advance for participating!

    New Release: Oddisee – ‘Odd Renditions’

    May 15th, 2012

     

    As promised last week, the steady working Oddisee has released his free EP of remixes and remakes called Odd Renditions!

    Below, folks can stream and download some awesome takes on Bon Iver, K-Os, Metronomy, and Marvin Gaye. The production virtuoso does an amazing job breathing new moods and life into some already timeless songs.

    Twitter | Bandcamp | Official Blog

    New Release: Fitz and the Tantrums – ‘Live at the House of Blues Boston’ Free EP

    May 14th, 2012

     

    As a thank you to their fans, the Fitz and the Tantrums is giving away a live EP from their House of Blues Boston show, which also includes a remix for “Breakin’ The Chains of Love” by the band’s drummer. Enter your email address below and get it crackin’!

    With 30 new songs written under their belt, the group has just begun recording their follow up album to Pickin’ Up The Pieces. Look forward to lots of fun behind the scenes footage and tid bits along the way.

    Facebook | Twitter | Official Site