Photo Credit: Erik Schneider

For those who had the privilege of attending last week’s Giant Step Thursdays event at YOTEL New York, you know what an amazing time it was. Beautiful people, dancing, and music from not one, but four incredible talents. Dego and Rich Medina kept the crowd live all night with their selections, while Maya Azucena and Sophia Urista tore the house down with their killer performances.

It was a special night. Sophia’s Betty Davis swagger knocked more than a few off their feet, and Maya captivated the crowd with new tunes from her recent album, Cry Love, which is currently available on iTunes.

Save the date for our upcoming installment next Thursday, August 11th. See you at YOTEL New York!

Moroccan-born and Parisian-bred Hindi Zahra’s warm and inviting voice feels familiar. Her bluesy gypsy folk carries a spirit that takes us back to the ecstatic serenity we found with Norah Jones, Adele, and Sade. This fall, she will be making her American debut with Handmade, out digitally September 26 with a physical release available on October 11. True to its title, Handmade, the album was produced and arranged by the versatile Hindi herself.

Above, you’ll find the video for Hindi’s first single, “Beautiful Tango,” which plays out like a gorgeous lullaby. Below, find out when you catch her on tour!

Tour Dates
9/30 Los Angeles, CA @ OohLaL.A. Festival
10/1 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
10/3 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
10/4 Seattle, WA @ Triple Door
10/5 Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Theater
10/6 Calgary, ALB @ Iron Wood
10/7 Edmonton, ALB @ Haven Social Club
10/9 Winnipeg, MAN @ West End Cultural Center
10/10 Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
10/11 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
10/17 Toronto, ONT @ Drake
10/18 Montreal, PQ @ Corona Theater
10/21-10/23 New York, NY @ CMJ

Facebook | Twitter | Official Site

Genre crossing John West debuts on Mercury Records with his release of three sensational songs which you can now purchase through iTunes or Amazon. The bundle of songs include, “Lovely” ft. Pusha T, “Right Now” and the newly released track, “Loved You Tonight,” streaming below.

John West is the newest addition to the artist roster of Mercury Records, a journey that began five years ago when the singer/songwriter/musician began honing his artistic skills while working as a street performer at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA. Now finding a home with Mercury Records, we expect great things from this talented newcomer.

Loved You Tonight by John West

Purchase John West’s new music on iTunes | Amazon

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Having toured much of West Africa playing with Benya Beats, Blue Monks, and the Uhuru Dance Band, Ghanaian funk artist George Danquah is quite the gem. On August 9th, Secret Stash Records is set to re-issue Hot & Jumpy, which is a culmination of Danquah’s musical inspirations during his 1970’s touring.

Above, you’ll find an album teaser and below, find a free MP3 download! Awesomeness.

George Danquah – “Just For A Moment” [MP3]
 

Pre-Order Hot & Jumpy on Secret Stash Records

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Meshell NDegeocello is simply cut from a different cloth – there’s just something about her. The prolific bassist and singer-songwriter has created some of the most heartfelt music we’ve heard. And while her public presence may be modest, the ten time Grammy nominee has graced albums of many international megastars and been featured on the soundtracks for many loved films, not just Love & Basketball.

This week, Meshell is sharing two very special nights of Gil Scott-Heron covers and let’s just say that you’d be mad to miss it.

Details
August 5th & 6th
Blue Note Jazz Club
8pm & 10:30pm
Doors at 6pm
$35.00 – table
$20.00 – bar

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Szjerdene does it again. This time, the London vocalist puts down an other-worldly melody over an enchanting Dimlite beat to creat “Leila’s Tale.” The mood of the track gives chills similar to that from some of our favorite Amel Larrieux joints. Stream and download below.

Purchase “Lead the Way” / “If 6 Was 8″ on iTunes

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Inspired by New Orleans marching bands, Balkan Brass, and hip-hop, the Hackney Colliery Band was formed in 2008 by a group of London horn players looking to serve up their own British variety of brass tunes. Already having sold out shows at Scala and Jazz Café, which featured a surprise guest appearance from Amy Winehouse, the band has already stirred quite a buzz. A few weeks ago, HCB released their first album and we are loving the energy – the personality in their music is palpable.

The music is eclectic and highly collaborative; Various band members bring in whatever tickles their fancy to rehearsals, including 90s hip hop, pop classics, cartoon samples, rock ballads, and Balkan tunes alike. The result is a melting pot of delicious sound with funk and flavor for days. And we got a particular kick out of the Blackstreet and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ covers.

Purchase Hackney Colliery Band on iTunes | Amazon

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Label Love Vol. 3 is a free compilation from some of the dopest indie labels out there right now. Hear music from from Stones Throw, One-Handed Music, Decon Records, Wax Poetics Records, Fat Beats, Wah Wah 45s, and Tru Thoughts. You’ll hear both exclusives and upcoming music from an eclectic bunch of musicians, including Nostalgia 77, Paul White, Stac, Elzhi, Chico Mann, and The Stepkids, amongst others! This is definitely something special right here.

Take a listen and download for free below!

Last month, we premiered our monthly Next Step contest, which is aimed to highlight up and coming musical talent. The winner will receive an “Artist Spotlight” feature post on the Giant Step website, and up to $1,000 in Giant Step Marketing services! Last month’s winner was LA-based retro songstress, Tara Priya.

This month, we will begin accepting submissions on the 1st and close submissions on the 15th. That said, we are now open for August entries!

Submit your music for consideration!