It feels good to be back.
(Prod. by Cynikal)
Take Off
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So, my old friends. It’s been a little while. The past few weeks I have been lucky enough to receive the support of the BBC. I’m truly grateful that a prestigious organisation has taken interest in my work. Here’s some of what’s been going on:
Interview on Yasser’s show:
Listen back:
Watch the video: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016wfz5
Live Lounge:
Maida Vale (BBC Introducing Masterclass)
Earlier this month, I was named on the official BBC Asian Network ‘On The Scene In 2013’ list. They have selected 8 artists who they feel will be doing big things in 2013, and thankfully I’ve been chosen as one of them.
Thanks so much to the BBC for supporting me, especially DJs Yasser, Kan D Man and Limelight. Shouts out to CJ Beatz, Ally McCrae and Jen Long for giving me my chance on Radio 1 and 1Xtra too.
Finally, a big thank you to everyone on my team, my family, my friends and my fans, who’ve ALL made this possible, and congratulations to the other artists.
2013, let’s go!
Performing on NYE was a really exciting experience. My friend told me the way you welcome the New Year is the way the rest of it will continue. I sure hope so!
Here’s some footage of pre-gig soundcheck with a brand new setup, where Samson Jatto is playing electronic drumkit and samples, Ryan Robinson on guitar and Chloe Blackwell on backing vocals.
Song title: Jim Beam. Taken from the Breakfast mixtape, which can be downloaded via http://cynikal.bandcamp.com
I smile because I’m happy. I’m happy because I can now announce my partnership with Industry Music Group, one of the biggest live booking agencies in the world, representing the likes of Olly Murs, One Direction, Alexandra Burke, JLS, Lemar, Rebecca Ferguson, James Arthur and now… CYNIKAL.
Thank you to my incredible musicians, The Street Orchestra, for hanging with me this whole time, and everyone who has shown support over the years. Let’s goooo.
It’s been 6 months since my debut mixtape ‘Breakfast’ dropped. Just want to say a big thank you to EVERYONE who has downloaded, blogged, published and supported.
We managed to garner features from some of the biggest publications, radio and TV stations in the country, something I am extremely grateful for.
But in all honesty, the key thing was being able to deliver an honest snapshot of my thoughts and feelings in recent times, and to have people appreciate it.
Thank you for listening. On to the next one!
Initially, my family were not supportive of my musical endeavours. I had to win their respect, and in due time they allowed me to pursue something I was clearly so passionate about.
Two years ago (November 2010), I proudly graduated from Leeds College of Music with first class Honours in BA Music Production. The University invited me to perform at the graduation ceremony, as I was joined on stage by my compadres, The Street Orchestra.
As far as Hip Hop goes, I don’t know if this is something a rapper has done before, but regardless, this achievement will always stand tall in my memory, as that day, I defied whatever stereotype there is of a Hip Hop artist, and that is something I will continue to do throughout my career.
Yes y’all – it’s been a while. Pardon my absence from the blogging world, the past few weeks have been busy to say the least. But the good news is that Won’t Let You Down ft. Cynthia Erivo is now on Spotify, and also available to buy on iTunes via the following link: http://bit.ly/cynikalWLYD
Furthermore, the music video has been playlisted on TV stations such as Kiss, Flava, Brit Asia and Channel AKA – of which it has been the number 1 most requested video on the latter for numerous days. To vote for it, text “AKA 1457” to 81025. You can watch the video here: http://youtu.be/C9WHcqashF8
Thanks for your continued support! Let’s keep it going.
First day of the new month. Thought I’d take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped support the single release. So far we’ve had coverage from the likes of Radio 1, 1Xtra, SBTV, SoulCulture, DJSemtex.com and many more – this really couldn’t happen without the various people working tirelessly behind the scenes for me.
We’re submitting to various TV channels over the course of the week.
If you haven’t yet seen it, here’s the music video, ft. Cynthia Erivo – shot by Chas Appeti and Simon Dewey:
And the behind the scenes video:
A still from the Won’t Let You Down music video.
It’s a Bank Holiday Sunday night. I could be out celebrating life, but instead I’m sat at my desk with my lamp on, sipping a freshly brewed coffee with the TV whispering in the background. I’m not out tonight because of one reason: sometimes it’s nice to just take some time for yourself to unwind.
So.. the music video for my song Won’t Let You Down (ft. Cynthia Erivo) is out on Tuesday night. It’s a big deal for me, as I finally have a chance to show you a glimpse of what’s to come from here on in. It’s taken a long time for me to arrive at this position – technically and mentally – happy and willing enough to bare my visions. But I’m ready now. Ready for the road ahead and I am certainly looking forward to it.
The song received its first spin on BBC Radio 1 last week via the BBC Introducing show (thanks Ally and Jen!) To get airplay on the biggest and most prestigious radio station in the world was one of the proudest moments in my career, and discovering that it had happened (without my prior knowledge) was almost like striking oil when weeding your garden. If you missed the iPlayer playback, you can check the radio rip here:
And on that note, I bid you a good night.
CYNIKAL'S BLOG 