By |

We are pleased to announce the release today of the new single “Fine Line” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh lo fi hip hop producer Brelstaff.

Taken from the album ‘Urban Testimony’ which dropped on November 3rd and has also recently enjoyed a Bandcamp front page feature in their New & Notable section.

The entire album is superb, effectively a documentary covering Justo’s trials and tribulations before, during and after his curtailed time studying at Clark Atlanta University which resulted in his reaching a pivotal point in life.

We have chosen “Fine Line” for a further extra spotlight given its subject matter summarizes very well the mental conflicts he endured, and also because the instrumental version was one of several broadcast over the summer months by BBC Radio 1’s “Focus Beats” programme.

Available on APPLE / iTUNES, TIDAL, AMAZON and below on BANDCAMP and SPOTIFY

OFFICIAL VISUALS ON YOUTUBE

You can learn more about Justo and Brel on their specially designated ARTIST PAGE, and also get details of the instrumental and vocal versions of the album and affiliated singles on their specific RELEASES PAGE.

This also marks our final release for 2023, however we will be making an announcement very shortly about what we have lined up for next year, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, our thanks to everyone who have supported these fanstastic artists’ releases this year.

TEAM NDR

By |

For the second time in recent weeks we were delighted to learn that another of our releases had been picked by online store Bandcamp to feature on their front page’s “New and Notable” spotlight section.

“Urban Testimony” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh lo fi hip hop producer Brelstaff is an exceptional piece of work. Lyrically, the narrative reads like a book telling the story of a pivotal time in Justo’s life before during and after his curtailed and turbulent attendance at Clark Atlanta University some years ago.

The underlying themes of potential opportunities presented by the escape route of academia being missed as a conflicted mind strayed on the path of hedonism is a brutally honest account of events as they unfolded. However, the story ends on a more optimistic note of survival and progression with lessons learned.

The accompanying soundtrack by Brelstaff perfectly captures each mood perfectly. The blend of lo fi hip hop beats, jazz fusion and soul acts almost like a film score, the instrumental versions of several having been broadcast by BBC Radio 1’s ‘Focus Beats’ programme earlier in the year.

Both the vocal version of the album and instrumental version are available on Bandcamp

You can learn more about Justo and Brelstaff in their specially designated Artist Page on this website.

TEAM NDR

By |

We are very proud to announce the release today of yet another superb album, this time by Justo the MC and Edinburgh lofi hip hop producer Brelstaff.

In the true traditions of the art of storytelling, “Urban Testimony” depicts events before, during and after the Brooklyn rapper’s curtailed and troubled time studying at Clark Atlanta University some years ago. Documented in a deeply personal narrative, details unfold of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route to academia straying rapidly on a hedonistic path and the consequences incurred.

While regrets are clear, the spirit of resilience prevails. Emerging scathed but undaunted and emboldened by second chances, the final scenes present a renewed sense of optimism for the future with lessons duly learned.

A fascinating and brutally honest account is relayed through trademark slick rhymes and deft lyricism, the art of storytelling set to a suitably atmospheric soundtrack provided by Brelstaff’s blend of soulful chilled lofi hip hop beats and ambient electronica.

It is a remarkable piece of work by two masters of their craft which we are extremely pleased to share with you now on APPLE/iTunes, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY.

    There are also official videos for every track which you can watch on the album’s playlist published on our Youtube channel.

    Of course earlier this year we released the instrumental version of the album, and several tracks were broadcast by BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 on their Focus Beats programme.

    It also has a full video playlist on our Youtube Channel and can be streamed on Spotify

    Justo will be performing tracks from “Urban Testimony” when he travels to upstate New York on Saturday November 18th as a special guest of Anthony Kannon and Frost Gamble for their ‘Cautionary Tales’ album launch party at Deep Dive in Ithaca.

    For more information about Justo and Brelstaff including all their social media details, visit their ARTIST PAGE on this site.

    For all media, press, audio & video podcats and radio station DJ inquiries about the release, please contact the official publicist, our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR HERE  

    As ever, enjoy the music and as always we thank everyone for their support.

    TEAM NDR

    By |

    Releasing on November 3rd 2023, the new album “Urban Testimony” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC & Edinburgh producer Brelstaff is now ready to pre-order online HERE.

    In what is one of his most personal releases to date, the entire theme relates to Justo’s curtailed and traumatic time spent studying at Clark Atlanta University some years ago, documenting the experiences and events witnessed there. The narrative reflects regrets, consequences and lessons learned in what is a brutally honest account of a time which by his own description led him to “a turning point in life”.

    The superb lyricism and skillful art of storytelling are bolstered by the atmospheric soundtrack provided by Brelstaff, mixing lofi beats, electronica and jazz fusion for a chilled yet gritty concoction that keep the pages turning.

    The album will be available initially in digital format from all leading streaming and download platforms including Apple / iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Bandcamp, Deezer and Amazon. Singles released so far include “High” and the AA side “Falling / “Satan’s Grip”

    There is also a video playlist on Youtube of the singles released to date, and videos for all future singles and album tracks will also appear here

    All written media, press or DJ enquiries and requests regarding this or any of our releases can be addressed to our in house promotional division, UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

    TEAM NDR

    By |

    New Dawn Records are pleased to announce the release today of the new album “Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” by Edinburgh producer Brelstaff.

    Ten titles fusing chilled, soulful lofi hip hop with downtempo jazz and ambient electronica in an ethereal soundtrack that rests easy on the senses. Music to soothe the soul and help focus with work and study in equal measure.

    Originally operating under his born name Daryl Donald, his reputation as one of the most respected emerging beatmakers in this genre grew from 2017 through a series of projects which generated over a million streams on Spotify, and since adopting the new pseudonym has continued to flourish, most notably earlier this year with the single “Cursive” featuring renowned west coast rapper Fashawn.

    The instrumental album is the pre-cursor to the full vocal version which we will release later in the year.  A collaborative project with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC which acts as a narrative documenting his curtailed and turbulent time at Clark Atlanta University, including a fascinating insight and depiction of the trials and tribulations of student life he witnessed there which ultimately led to the crossroads of his life. 

    Now available to stream and download at APPLE, AMAZON & TIDAL

    Also on Bandcamp & Spotify

    In addition there is a full video playlist for every track now on our official Youtube channel.

    All media enquiries can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR, contact details HERE

    You can connect with Brelstaff on Twitter @BrelstaffMusic and Instagram @BrelstaffMusic

    As ever we appreciate the support and enjoy the music !

    TEAM NDR

    By |

    Our first release of 2023 comes courtesy of Edinburgh producer Brelstaff who laces us with his trademark concoction of chilled, soulful, lofi hip hop vibes with further influences of progressive rock, jazz fusion and ambient electronica fused together effortlessly in an ethereal soundtrack that focuses minds and soothes souls in equal measure. 

    “Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” drops Friday April 28th, while the full vocal version, a collaborative project with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC will be released by us in the autumn, preceded by several singles.

    Videos for every track will appear on our official Youtube Channel upon the album’s release next month, and of course it will also be available to download and stream at all major digital platforms including Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple, Amazon & Tidal.

    Meantime we have just published the album Video Trailer and Audio Teaser.

    Thanks to the team at UrbanElite Productions for both the artwork and video trailer. All media enquiries about our releases can be addressed to our in house promotional division, UrbanElite PR whose contact information is HERE

    You can connect with Brelstaff on his social media platforms. Twitter @BrelstaffMusic Instagram @BrelstaffMusic and Facebook @BrelstaffMusic

    Our thanks again to everyone for your support, enjoy !

    TEAM NDR

    By |

    NDR are very proud to present the stunning new video “The Humans are Coming” by London rapper and producer duo Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown filmed by Global Faction and UKHH.com

    Released today, the amazing visuals edited by Phoenix’s own company Sovereign Comics, represents the track’s environmental theme, Husky’s driving electronic production providing the soundtrack for a metaphorical letter of contrition to the mythical Gaia for the damage done by humankind to her realm.

    This is the first official video taken from the album “Panacea” we released on May 5th, and which has been nominated for “Best Independent Album” at this year’s AIM Awards taking place on Wednesday August 12th. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions, the awards ceremony will be entirely online, streaming live from 7pm GMT / 2pm EST on SBTV’s YOUTUBE Channel

    The nomination is in recognition of the groundbreaking nature of the album, Husky’s rare fusion of hip hop, electro, bass, dub, soul and r&b is the soundtrack for Phoenix’s highly creative narrative addressing many of today’s most pressing issues including climate change, racism, well being, mental health, knife crime and social aspiration, all delivered with a refreshing and optimistic counterpoint of hope, healing and reconciliation.

    Watch the video now on Youtube

    “Panacea” is available to stream and download from all major digital platforms and stores including Apple / iTunes, Amazon, Tidal and Spotify

    Thanks to everyone for the support over the past few months for what is a quite incredible album, it’s very much appreciated.

    Any further media enquiries about this, or any of our releases, can be directed to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are HERE

    TEAM NDR

    By |

    We are extremely proud to announce the release today of the phenomenal new album “Panacea” by London’s rapper & producer duo Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown.

    A truly astounding and ground breaking piece of work which breaks from formulaic convention, Husky’s fresh and dynamic fusion of hip hop, electronica, dub, bass, r&b and soul provides the soundtrack for a narrative addressing many of today’s most pressing issues.

    Triple Darkness member Phoenix has long been regarded as one of the finest lyricists to emerge from the UK, and throughout the album he sets his existential sights on the environment, mental health, knife crime, racism, well being and inner city life, all delivered with his trademark dexterous rhymes and creative wordplay.

    Facing the challenges head on, the engaging commentary still retains a message of hope at its core, related through metaphorical concepts as abstract as they are grounded in reality.

    A multidimensional, unique, entertaining and highly relevant album which pushes boundaries for the genre and will stand the test of time for years to come. Literally exceptional.

    Distributed by Ingrooves / Universal, available to download and stream from Apple, Amazon and Tidal Also available to stream on Spotify & Soundcloud

    Connect with Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown on Instagram @PhoenixDaIcefire @HuskyBrown.Official and on Twitter @PhoenixDaFire @HuskyBrown

    All media inquiries regarding the album, including requests to interview Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown, should be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR. Their contact details are available HERE

    Our continued appreciation to everyone for their support, especially during these difficult times. Stay safe.

    TEAM NDR

    By |

    We are very proud to present the exceptional new single “The Humans are Coming” b/w “Travelling Buddy” by London rapper Phoenix da Icefire and producer Husky Brown

    Released today, this is just the latest example of why we relaunched the label, providing the opportunity for highly creative and gifted artists to be heard.

    Husky’s fresh perspective on production merging hip hop, electronica, dub and bass is the musical backdrop for Phoenix to address some of today’s most relevant issues with the highest caliber lyricism. In “The Humans are Coming” he skillfully tackles climate change and wider environmental concerns, while “Travelling Buddy” is a poignant offer of support, empathy and hope to all those experiencing mental health difficulties. A remix is also provided courtesy of renowned UK producer Chemo aka Telemachus

    This is music that matters. Available from Apple / iTunes, Tidal, Amazon and also streaming on Spotify and Soundcloud

    Taken from the album “Panacea” we release on May 5th. Connect with the pair on twitter @PhoenixDaFire & @HuskyBrown and instagram @PhoenixDaIcefire & @HuskyBrown.Official

    All media, press & DJ inquiries about our releases can be sent to our in house promotional division UrbanElite PR and they’ll be happy to help you. Their contact details are HERE

    Thanks again for everyone’s support

    TEAM NDR

    By |

    Delighted to announce the release of the new single today by London duo Phoenix da Icefire & Husky Brown, the double A side “Dark Rainbow Light” b/w “Sins of Gaia”

    Taken from the album “Panacea” out May 5th where the themes covered by The Triple Darkness member address the environment, mental health, knife crime, racism, well being and aspiration. The narrative is delivered with the highest caliber of lyricism and figurative wordplay over a soundtrack provided by Husky which skillfully blends a fresh fusion of hip hop, soul, r&b, electronica, dub and bass.

    Following on from their first single “Cosmic Soul” b/w “Seasons of You” released earlier this month, Husky laces “Dark Rainbow Light” with some soulful traditional hip hop flavours as Phoenix reflects on the challenges of inner city life while searching a better path. Meanwhile, the lo fi beats of Sins of Gaia paints the backdrop for an attack on institutional racism with the remix provided by Kashmere (YNR Productions, Tru Thoughts, High Focus).

    Distributed by Ingrooves / Universal, and available to stream and download from all major digital platforms and stores including Apple, Amazon, Deezer, Napster & Tidal. Also on Spotify and Soundcloud

    Phoenix and Husky planned their album launch party at Brixton Jamm on May 8th. Obviously given the current situation worldwide with the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting interim restrictions implemented, the event may well have to be postponed until a later date. However the situation is still relatively fluid depending on the decisions made at each review interval, the first one being due at the Easter Weekend, April 10th.

    We would advise you keep updated on this situation via the duo’s social media, Phoenix da Icefire on Twitter & Instagram, Husky Brown on Twitter & Instagram

    New Dawn Records hope all our friends worldwide are safe and well at this time. As frustrating as the current situation will be for many, these are unique circumstances not witnessed since 1945. If everyone follows the basic principle of social distancing, the early indications at least suggest a direction of traffic leading to this being over sooner rather than later. Take care.

    Team NDR