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Next on Extra Soul Perception, we're very proud to welcome a new artist to the label, Paddy Fred, with three tracks of antipodean psych soul for his 'Spells' 7".
Paddy Fred is a musician based on the south coast of Wellington, New Zealand, where he grew up. He's played guitar since he was a teen, and went on to study music performance, and toured with a number of bands throughout his twenties. When these bands dissolved in 2011, he began beat making and music production of his own, losing himself in the freedom of making music on his terms.
Inspired after hanging with Flying Lotus & the Brainfeeder crew and clubbing at Low End Theory in Los Angeles, Paddy created his first release, 'Laminate', which dropped in 2013; the same year Paddy entered fatherhood.
After emerging from the "survival zone" of the first five years of parenting, Paddy emerged a little lost, separated from the momentum of his musical career. There then followed a period of self-reflection. As he ran up and over the same coastal path repeatedly, he slowly but surely rekindled his passion for music making, and the work began again…
Paddy came to the attention of the Extra Soul Perception crew courtesy of fellow New Zealander, Mara TK (who provided the label's highly acclaimed 2021 album 'Bad Meditation'). When the guys heard the demos, they signed him on sight.
The lead track 'Spells' consists of big sludgy drums, a growling synth bass, ethereal guitars and spacey vocals, mixing the washed-out slow-mo beat construction of Toro Y Moi with the heady psychedelic soul of Tame Impala and Mildlife. On the flipside 'Found You' is a more tranquil affair, with languorous drums befitting DJ's Khruangbin rhythm section, whilst closer 'Kids' (digital only) offers a robust yet airy finish with an uptempo instrumental akin to the sound palette of late 00s Four Tet.
'Spells' is the first taste of Paddy's new material. Inspired by lost love, babies feet, social fatigue and universes held within rock-pools, this is Paddy Fred at his most true to self, and just a small sample of what's to come.
'Spells' is released on 7" vinyl & digital worldwide via Extra Soul Perception in late October 2022.

Leena is one of the fast-growing names of the Bulgarian thriving r&b scene. UK-trained, she’s currently looking into moving to Berlin to explore new musical horizons after being supported by Tidal Global, Sofar Sounds Global, and numerous curators like Sidekick Music, CloudKid, afterhours., Topsify, etc. Being featured in the new albums of renowned Sofia-based rapper Grigovor & producer Gena from So Called Crew, she’s already gained a steady following to her music.

Her latest single “Assumptions” (and first release via Stereofox Records) served as a warm-up to the upcoming album called Labyrinth of the Subconscious, which she’s been preparing for a couple of years. A 10-track journey, exploring unknown corners of her mind, various emotions, and both the colourful & darker aspects of what happens inside our heads.

Built upon contrasts, the album offers a variety of genres and topics that will take you places you haven’t imagined – infused by both producers on the record – Gena & Kamen’s unique instrumental approaches. Be it the fresh & upbeat “Vertigo” and “Mad Dreams”, or “Body” with Yaиа (another stunning local singer and vocal teacher) which falls somewhere between slow-dance and sultry r&b. Or the deep sci-fi-esque “Borrowed Time” and the emotional “Don’t Panic” (which will come with a hazy music video). Or you might fall in love with the FKA Twigs-like “Senses”, the indie-pop “Backlight”, or the closing ballad “Until The Morning”. Whatever you choose, you’ll enter an exciting rabbit hole through contemporary r&b, soul, and indietronica.

Labyrinth of the Subconscious was recorded and mixed by Gena in So Called Crew’s studio and mastered by Hristo Rachev from the eminent Sound Ninja Music Academy.

Powerhouse R&B/Soul vocalist and Canadian Idol finalist. Gary Beals, is thrilled to be releasing his new album, The Melody Within. The Melody within is a musical journey that unfolds across two sides, much like a story that reveals new layers with each turn. The album is more than just a collection of songs; it's an emotional guide that beckons us to explore the depths of our own feelings and explores navigating emotions, self discovery, and nostalgia through soulful melodies. "This album serves as the aftermath to my previous album, "Bleed My Truth". It's a continuation of my musical journey, a fusion of soulful melodies and diverse influences that mirror both my personal and artistic evolution," said Gary Beals. "Each song is a chapter, a piece of my heart and soul, inviting listeners into my world of emotions, experiences and connection. It uncovers the melody that resides within. The anticipation is building as I look forward to sharing this collection of new music, and I hope it resonates deeply, offering a meaningful and memorable musical experience enriched with a multitude of emotions." With this new body of work, Gary had the opportunity to work with two talented primary producers,Beatchild (Drake, Justin Nozuka, Glen Lewis) and Myles "Losh'' Schwartz (Allan Rayman, Tobi, The Game, Pretty Lights). Additional production credits on the album include, Chris Guirguis, Frizzy Astro (Raz Fresco, Daniel Son), Jordan "Tempo" Farmer, Kobebeats (Rodwave, Kcamp, Sevyn),Sid Aakowa, Ty Danelley (Popcaan, Tory Lanez, Pressa) and Warren Williams, who all helped to shape the makings of the album while maintaining a consistent synergy. Side A of the album draws inspiration from the likes of Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown, and pays homage to artists who have played an integral part in shaping Gary's musical roots. This side includes Gary's previously released singles, "Good People, Good Vibes" and "All of Me," and the album's title track "The Melody Within," that commends the process of self-discovery and introspection. Also included is the album's 5th single, "Self Revolution," which will be released on October 27th along with the official music video. On Side B, you'll encounter a fusion of R&B and pop elements while still staying true to the album's soulful essence. Included on this side, is Gary's third single "I Like That," featuring Jrdn and Kayo ,and the new single "How Do I Say (I Love You)," released September 22nd. "How Do I Say (I Love You)" dives into the inner conflict of conveying affection, showing vulnerability, and the bravery needed to expose one's heart to someone else. About Gary Beals: Two decades ago, Gary embarked on his musical journey when he, a small-town kid from Nova Scotia (now calling Toronto home), made a remarkable entrance onto the national stage as a part of Canada's inaugural season of Canadian Idol. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the finale where Gary was crowned as the "runner up" on the show. The experience ignited a transformative period of self-reflection and discovery that propelled Gary toward personal growth, shaping his life and musical career in lasting ways.
Fast forward through three albums and twenty years, Gary's work and talent have made a remarkable impact and received widespread critical acclaim. Among his accomplishments are debuting in the top 10 of the Canadian sales chart, being nominated for a Juno Award for "Best R&B/Soul Recording," winning an East Coast Music Award and seven African Nova Scotia Music Awards, as well as scoring nominations for an Urban Music Award and a Canadian Radio Music Award. These accomplishments led to his home province's Premier officially designating November 22nd as Gary Beals Day in acknowledgment of his achievements.
With his return, Gary is poised to make a positive impact on the ever-expanding global community as he prepares to release his new album The Melody Within. The album will stand as a tribute to the strength that resides within all of us and a reminder that true fulfillment comes not just from achieving goals, but from discovering the intricate beauty that lies within our own hearts and souls.
Craig Charles is a big supporter of Gary Beals and spun his single 'All Of Me' for three weeks in a row on his Funk and Soul Show on BBC Radio Six
His first album, Gary Beals, entered the Canadian album charts at Number 10 and went on to sell 110,000 copies

Melonskin Records is proud to announce the official release of Eva Lazarus' brand new album 'Brandy Kisses'

Marking a new chapter in her career, 'Brandy Kisses' is a beautiful sounding record, emphasising her versatility, song writing and incredible vocal range. Effortlessly jumping from soulful croons to punchy rap verses, Eva showcases all avenues of her ability to create a seamless body of work deeply packed with with strong messages & meanings.

'Brandy Kisses' also shines a light on Dirty Dike's incredible growth as a producer. The two have created a modern R&B masterpiece which is bound to catapult both artists to higher heights.

Spanning 23 years of recorded output, Grammy Award winning artist Bilal performed a mid-career retrospective featuring an ensemble of luminaries from his storied musical tribe. For one night only, the supergroup re-worked standouts from a genre-defying catalog including Bilal’s debut, "1st Born Second", his famously unreleased sophomore album, "Love For Sale" (from which "Something To Hold" and "All For Love" herein become its first commercially available releases), "Airtight’s Revenge", Common’s seminal Soulquarian-era "Like Water for Chocolate", as well as premiering Bilal’s newest song, "Humility". The concert was recorded, filmed and livestreamed from Glasshaus in Brooklyn, New York on December 02, 2023 for a studio audience of 100 guests.