After a month of organizing and cleaning up our acts! Libra season is here to set aside some time for (safe!) socialising. From old to new connections, you never know who you might meet along the way. Stay open-minded and let the universe take over. This month is all about networking, so get out there and have some fun with it!

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Sweet Aries, you’ve become much better at organizing your time but now’s your chance to get back out there. Libra season is dedicated to relationships, so it’s time to start networking! Don’t shy away from collaboration…it could lead to something bigger than you think.

Listen to: On Fire by Colour Castle

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Dear Taurus, you’ve been making moves with your career but now is your chance to shift your focus towards your coworkers. Introducing new perspectives into your life can increase your creativity by opening your mind. Time to open up and let the people around you know who you really are.

Listen to: Upside Down by SONNY OH!

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Love is in the air Gemini! Time to light some candles! This romantic boost will lead to a stronger urge to get creative with your music. Get out of your comfort zone this Libra season and explore genres you would never usually choose, get flirty with your lyrics and your boo too.

Listen to: Show Me Love by Naliyah

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

You’ve been taking it easy at work recently Cancer, not a bad thing, everyone needs some me time but it’s time to get back into work mode! Jump back into to-do lists and make a start on those unfinished long-term projects. The universe is in your favour so enjoy the ride and get hustling!

Listen to: Workin by Yasin

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Loud leo! Expect a busy month ahead of socialising in every way…texting, calls, DMs, Zooming, pings in general. You’re loving the attention but make sure you don’t lose track of all the back and forth. Set time to double check the messages that are truly important are getting sent. Fun over stress.

Listen to: Same Time by Raghd

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

After a wild birthday month, Libra season is allowing you to explore your charts wealth zone and fine tune those finances. Don’t take this opportunity lightly, sort through those invoices, create a budget plan and start dreaming realistically! This month is all about balance, so use it wisely.

Listen to: Lowkey by Reyn

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)

Happy Birthday lovely Libras! This is going to be an incredible month full of love! Whilst you’re used to giving your time away to others, now is the time to priortize yourself. What do you need to push your music? What’s your next album going to be? Time to switch up your studio space? Think about what YOU want from life Libra and have fun with it!

Listen to: mig, Mig, MIG! by Martin Masarov

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

Scorpio, expect a complex month ahead. At times you may feel lonely and introverted, platonic and romantic exes may creep up but really try to think who you want to give your energy to. This month is your chance to seek closure and let go of the burdens from the past, let it go Scorpio, you’ll feel better in the end.

Listen to: I Miss You by Nirob Islam

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

Fiery Sag! Libra season is always a fun one for you. You’re going to be feeling brighter than ever this month, connecting with old and new friends and loving every second of it. Expect a major glow up in the social sector of your life, and don’t fear away from getting vulnerable.

Listen to: Sunshine by Shermanology

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

You’re feeling a tad homesick this month Cap, so don’t run from those feelings and head home for some much needed time with the fam. You’ll feel more connected than ever with those that you truly care about. Try and also think about your studio space, time for that end of summer clean? Soon everything will feel like home again.

Listen to: Home With You by Wander Marchal

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

You’re feeling fun, adventurous and positive this month Aquarius, absorbing everything in the space around you. Whilst travelling is still a no-no, try and explore the areas around you. You never know what you might find and who knows…something inspiring may come of it. Open your mind!

Listen to: Nightdrive by VHS Dreams

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20)

Pisces, pisces, pisces…you’ve been a little flirty this month. You’re in the midst of catching feelings but hold your horses as Mars retrograde could cause trouble. Enjoy the now moments and think less about the future and more about what your heart wants. Don’t forget to scribble it down on paper, these could be winning lyrics!

Listen to: Learning To Love by KALM

We've all been trying to make the most of these summer months, soaking up sun when possible, leaving our worries behind in the shape of luminous sun burns. With the pandemic shaking up all our lives, many of us have been set back in our future plans, but have no fear, Virgo season is here! Now is the time to channel those inner organization skills, both physically and emotionally.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Life has become slightly more complicated than anticipated, am I right Aries? Time to wash away those feelings of uncertainty with small steps. Set up a morning routine, prioritise your music and make the most of this energy boosting cosmic opportunity that's heading your way.

Listen to: Easy Now Tiger by Hazlett

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Dear Taurus, this has been a slow summer, time to finally jump into those ideas you've pushed away for too long! Virgo season is offering you the chance to kickstart those projects and focus more on the parts that you're truly passionate about. Don't stress about the long term but focus more on the now, it's time to introduce your true colours into your daily routine.

Listen to: Jumpman by Puar

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

You've been doing okay emotionally Gemini but damn, time to clean up your studio space! The more comfortable your space is, the clearer your mind will be, and therefore the more productive you'll become. Start small by letting go of one thing that you've been holding onto for too long and soon you'll get the hang of it.

Listen to: Patience Riddim' by Blu3 W3rd

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Gentle Cancer, you've been in your shell this summer, cautiously peeking out when you're sure there are no risks! But you're feeling energized and ready to blossom into the social butterfly that you've always had in you. Use your energy with intention, focus on getting those annoying tasks off your to-do lists so you can give full attention to what truly matters.

Listen to: When the Music Drops by Cosmovision

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Loud Leo! You've partied hard for your birthday month, but now's the time to wind down and start saving for next year. Focus on reigning in those excess expenses, create a budget plan, and try not to fall for instant gratification...like do you really need another speaker?

Listen to: Bad Habits by Kalm

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

Happy Birthday sweet Virgos! Whilst you're used to giving away most of your time to helping others, this month is all about you! Time to channel those energies into focusing on yourself and discovering new talents. I'm talking self-care Sunday everyday, the stars are in your favour so make the most of this confidence boosting time.

Listen to: Life Don't Stress Me by Aaron London

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)

Lovable Libra, you've been a social genius over Leo season but at what cost? Time to cut down on the caffeine and start indulging in a good 8hrs of sleep. Constant networking can prevent you from giving much deserved time to yourself and your music. Enjoy those empty calendar dates and swim deep in your solo time.

Listen to: Careful by Beatrice Eli

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

Sensitive Scorpio, you've been beyond overwhelmed with the amount of information circling your IG feed. Now's the time to focus on action rather than burning out over it. You're a natural leader, so get some friends together and start a project that will bring social change and settle those worries.

Listen to: People Getting Mad by Rebecca & Fiona

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

What a time Sag! Virgo season is the perfect opportunity for you to show your true talents. Time to level up your career game. Re-vamp your merch, update your social media pages, and add some extra final details to your work projects. You've been waiting to show off so go ahead!

Listen to: Workin by Yasin

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

You've been in a rut lately, but it's time to welcome in new energies Capricorn. Think less with your head and more with your heart this Virgo season, you're never too old to start learning something new, so say yes more and don't worry Cap, trust in the universe, it's got your back!

Listen to: Say Yes by Rey D'Asian

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

Aquarius! You've been too easy with those around you and have forgotten why setting boundaries is so important. Time to get vulnerable and honest, which is difficult as an air sign but if you start now, it will be much easier in the long run. Don't hold on to this stress, honesty is the best policy!

Listen to: Bye Bye by Chi Virgo

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20)

Virgo season is all about focusing on those near and dear to you, Pisces. Time to evaluate those relationships which are working and tune in to those that aren't. Whether romantic, band mates or work-related, make room for long over due difficult convos and be sure to balance with positive messages.

Listen to: Feelings by Bobo

We caught up with music all-rounder and CEO of rap platform Hardest Bars, Joey Clipstar. Based in London, Hardest Bars is the evolving online space and video blog created for the rapper community. Clipstar created the platform back in 2011 as a weekly Youtube chart, revealing the top 5 lyrics from new rap releases. It has since grown an impressive following and with additional content of HB Freestyles, HB Streetstyles, Hardest Bars mixtapes, and other content targeted at Urban music audiences.

Q. Name drop the team behind Hardest Bars.

A. The team is comprised of 11 of us:

Myself Joey Clipstar - @Joeyclipstar

Debbie - @Debmckoy 

Ali - @Altindal__

Joey - @joey_l_d_n

Tadas - @Tadas.vanagas 

Kam - @kamcordings

Fran - @Fbondioli_

New motion (hayden & Jordan) - @newmotion_visuals 

Kadeisha - @kadeishakhalil 

Q. How did you meet? 

A. So our team is all sourced, Debbie is my mum, Ali and New Motion applied for their roles, kadeisha was headhunted, Kam is a videopgrapher, I met Fran through the industry, as well as Tadas as we work together at Link Up TV. 

Q. What's your mission with the channel? 

A. Our mission is to have everything we represent and promote flowing through one channel. For example our HB freestyles & HB Street styles, all our mixtapes and mixtape entries and our Hardest bars live show (via Instagram)

Q. Favourite under-the-radar independent artists right now? 

A. I would say all of the artists on our hb freestyles as everyone who does a hb freestyle is someone who we feel have great potential and people we want to collaborate with.

Q. Which London rappers are on rotation most in the office right now? 

A. Fortunately for the team we have the luxury of working from home so we communicate through our phones etc. however in terms of personally the Insomnia album by Young Adz, Skepta & Chip. 

Q. Top tip for independent music artists who want to get discovered?

A. Stay independent and stay unique!

Here we are at the end of yet another month! July has been somewhat less dramatic that June but definitely still full of musical drama. From Rejjie Snow to Zara Larsson, here's ten music moments from this month that you should know about🔥👇

#1 Beyonce

Premiered only a few hours ago, Queen B is back with the music video of 'Already' from her visual album 'Black Is King'. A celebration of African culture, from the choreography to costume design and featuring Major Lazor and Shatta Wale - this track is an absolute win.

#2 Rejjie Snow

Lovable Irish artist and rapper Rejjie Snow came through with his newest playful track Cookie Chips ft. MF DOOM & Cam O'bi. With heavy Tyler The Creator vibes, this track is deffo one for your playlists.

#3 Dua Lipa

On July 10th, Dua Lipa released her newest addition 'Hallucinate'. Channeling early 2000s club energies, the track is yet another bop from the British artist.

#4 Denai Moore

Denai Moore is the emerging British-Jamaican artist that you've been missing out on. Her newest album 'Modern Dread' is a genre-bending merge of R&B, with electronic elements. Prepare yourself to be carried away to a surrealist world.

#5 Troye Sivan

Sweetboy Troye Sivan gifted us with a strange, yet nostalgic pop track for those dance-alone moments in your kitchen. His weirdly wonderful autotune has been described as a hit or miss - what do you think?

#6 Reyn

On July 10th, adored Swedish artist Reyn released his well-awaited album 'Skyfall'.  Combining the best of his hip-hop sounds, the EP is a complete and honest summary of his music, and a celebration of his progress over the last two years. Created from his own experiences, the album is a mix of emotions associated with significant moments in his life.

#7 Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson released a new intense pop song 'Love Me Land'. Carrying dark disco pop vibes and a dance routine that will wanna get you moving, the young Swedish artist hits high notes higher than the clouds. We NEED more Zara.

#8 Taylor Swift

#9 H.E.R

H.E.R has been doing bits in 2020! Her most recent track is a reggae infused love song and welcomed surprise 'Do To Me'. Sampling Sister Nancy's classic cut 'Bam Bam', this upbeat bop is a major summer anthem.

#10 Pop Smoke

Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon is an ode to the late Pop Smoke. Released posthumously, the debut album exists with the attempts to cement his legacy and role as the voice of Brooklyn Drill. Executively produced by 50 cent, the album carries a glimpse of what could have been his future before his passing.

With thousands of dedicated followers, Lofi is the underground music genre that has boomed over the last few years. The phenomenon exploded across channels like Youtube back in 2016, after the introduction of 24/7 live streaming. We caught up with Ryan Celsius, king of Lofi to break down how this multi-faceted genre came about.

Ryan Celsius is widely-known amongst the Lofi community as being part of the a wave of artists to really place the genre on the map. After producing early versions of "fruity loops" in 2007, he ended up creating over 80 tracks that became some his best attempts at mixing and combining sounds. Tragically, a few years later, he lost most of his work when his laptops were stolen during a robbery at his home, leading him to have to re-discover new music and entering a phase of demotivation. The incident lead him to create YouTube playlists featuring and supporting independent artists, in the hopes that it'll keep them encouraged to continue producing. In 2012, he started up his widely-known YouTube Channel creating "unofficial" music videos further promoting artists whilst simultaneously assisting with production needs.

So what exactly is lofi and why is there such a high following? Ryan explains "Lofi hip hop as it is known today can be broken into several sub-genres that play into a distinct common sonic theme of nostalgic simplicity and more slow paced instrumental hip hop production." The genre is built to be versatile, able to be enjoyed as both background and foreground music, completely dependant on the listeners needs. Whilst it comes across as simplistic, the music itself carries a more complex relationship to each individual.

"When focusing on something else, a lofi hip hop beat tape or track can comfortably wash over the listener and provide a soothing backdrop. If given a bit more attention that same tape can provide a wealth of depth upon further analysis and really show case interesting sound design, unexpected percussive patterns, and melodies that seem vaguely familiar."

In 2016, there was a major boom in listeners of the genre after YouTube introduced 24/7 live streaming capabilities. This was the start of the common 'Anime Study Girl Loop' and the variations that followed. Lofi, specifically the sub-genre of 'Study Beats', was then marked as the perfect accompaniment for those late night study hours, merging with easy anime and cartoon animations. However this mix of anime and lofi isn't a new phenomenon and actually came around in the early 2000's as Ryan explains:

"During this time in the US, Cartoon Network began playing anime that had heavy hip hop and jazz components. This nostalgic association with anime and beat tape style bumps is a huge reason for the existence of anime within lofi hip hop currently. However, it has definitely evolved and taken on a new form with the consistent pushing of these aesthetics through YouTube livestreams."

Whilst the 'Study Beat' sub-genre may be considered the most popular version of lofi hip hop in todays time, there are in fact multiple versions of the genre out there, in which the scene is constantly evolving with many producers connecting various other genres to "craft new soundscapes that help them establish a unique sound".

With the current global pandemic causing havoc to many areas of the music industry, strangely enough, the lofi hip hop scene hasn't necessarily been affected. As Ryan shares "The lack of performance venues and live shows does not particularly hurt the scene at all, as the majority of popular lofi hip hop artists do not tour or perform shows that commonly."

Many, if not most, lofi artists share a common theme of being 'DIY bedroom producers', so being able to totally focus on their EPs and albums during self-isolation has been a majorly productive time within the lofi community. With the lofi hip hop community constantly evolving into new mixes of genres, who knows what will be produced next.

"As producers seek to stand out and innovate within a genre that many attempted initially to place into a box of 'background music', the community becomes more dynamic. With YouTube channels focusing on more and more specific styles of lofi hip hop."

Did you know that Ryan curates some of our Spotify Playlists and that they're open for submissions? Read more about how you can apply here and check them out on our Spotify profile!