OCULATE UK - DIGITAL COVER 005 - AUGUST 2025

NECTAR WOODE: "I THINK OUT OF EVERYTHING IN MUSIC, PLAYING LIVE AND SONGWRITING IS MY FAVOURITE PART."

JERUB Celebrates Life’s Messy Beauty On ‘The Wonder Years’

The Wonder Years feels like a deep exhale, the kind of project that lands heavy but leaves you lighter. Across seven tracks, JERUB threads together soul, pop, and raw emotion, reminding us that the best moments aren’t behind or ahead of us, they’re happening now, right in the middle of all the chaos.

[REVIEW] Eleni Drake Dives into the Complexities of Modern Dating and Lost Love with new Album CHUCK

British-Greek singer-songwriter Eleni Drake’s fourth album offers a tender rumination of love lost, its skilful lyricism exploring the complexity of emotions involved in the process.

[REVIEW] Mura Masa Continues to Fire on All Cylinders With New EP: Curve +1

This small but mighty offering is proof that Mura Masa is absolutely at the top of his game, with no plans to falter anytime soon. Curve +1 by Mura Masa is out now.

[REVIEW] The Best Debut Mixtape of 2025? JayaHadADream Might’ve Just Dropped It

JayaHadADream isn’t just an emerging name in UK rap, she’s shaping up to be one of its most vital new voices. With her debut mixtape Happiness From Agony, the Cambridge-born, Jamaican-Irish rapper delivers a project that turns vulnerability into strength and solidifies her place in the scene. From the very first minute of the tape, you’re immediately pulled in through the first track ‘State Of The World’. With its melodic strength and sharp lyricism Jaya straight away sets th

[REVIEW] Kraak & Smaak Stun With Psychedelic Brilliance on ‘Velvet Seas’

Writing their latest project between their shared hometown of Leiden and the sun-drenched haven of Los Angeles, the soulful outfit set out to capture a West Coast ambience while remaining unmistakably Kraak & Smaak – avant-garde, experimental, and brimming with funk.

| FEATURES |

ALL EYES ON: EMILY MAKIS

GET TO KNOW: ELLE SHIMADA

GET TO KNOW: OLYMPIA VITALIS

WE F*CK WITH: GEE LEE

| SOUND OF THE UK |

JERUB Celebrates Life’s Messy Beauty On ‘The Wonder Years’

Jim Legxacy Drops Video For ‘06 Wayne Rooney’ And It’s Pure Nostalgia

Jim Legxacy’s ‘06 wayne rooney’ just got a video, and it’s exactly what fans were hoping for. Directed by Lauzza, the same director who turned ‘father’ into an underground moment, this one’s packed with PlayStation nostalgia, late-night energy, and that signature Jim mix of heartbreak and hype.

NOTION and Willow Kayne drop UK club anthem ‘Waiting’

NOTION is back, and this time he’s teamed up with Willow Kayne for ‘Waiting’, a track that hits hard and feels made for the club. It’s fast, direct, and unfiltered, built around a hook that sticks and production that pulls from the best parts of UK dance music.

[REVIEW] Eleni Drake Dives into the Complexities of Modern Dating and Lost Love with new Album CHUCK

British-Greek singer-songwriter Eleni Drake’s fourth album offers a tender rumination of love lost, its skilful lyricism exploring the complexity of emotions involved in the process.

[REVIEW] Mura Masa Continues to Fire on All Cylinders With New EP: Curve +1

This small but mighty offering is proof that Mura Masa is absolutely at the top of his game, with no plans to falter anytime soon. Curve +1 by Mura Masa is out now.

Frisco & Scorcher Link Up For Gritty New Heater “Do It N Done”

oduced by Frisco himself, the track lands heavy. A bass-thick beat carries both MCs as they trade sharp, unfazed verses, the kind of back-and-forth that reminds you why they’re still two of grime’s most trusted voices.

Blair Davie Unveils Heartfelt EP, 'First And Last'

Scottish rising-star Blair Davie (they/them) has today released new EP, First And Last, offering a range of sincere musings on the topic of love.

[REVIEW] The Smoke Clears as Lord Apex Ends an Era

Lord Apex ends the Smoke Sessions saga on an effortless yet timeless, hazy high.

Girls Don’t Sync Drop Debut EP ‘Code Orange’ Mixing UK Garage, Hard House, And Diasporic Rhythms

Girls Don’t Sync have released their debut EP Code Orange, capturing the sound of a collective who have gone from underground club champions to one of the UK’s most-watched electronic groups.

JayaHadADream Drops New Single ‘Bug’ With The Announcement Of Debut Project 'Happiness From Agony'

JayaHadADream steps up again with ‘Bug’, a lo-fi, jazz-tinged rap track produced by New Machine that pairs laid-back instrumentation with sharp-tongued delivery. At the same time, she’s announced her debut full-length project, Happiness From Agony, set for release on October 24.

| VIEW OUR LATEST COVER STORIES |

| UP AND COMING ACTS |

JERUB Celebrates Life’s Messy Beauty On ‘The Wonder Years’

Jim Legxacy Drops Video For ‘06 Wayne Rooney’ And It’s Pure Nostalgia

NOTION and Willow Kayne drop UK club anthem ‘Waiting’

Jae Stephens Returns With Early-2000s Pop Confidence On ‘Boyfriend Forever’

Jae Stephens makes a sharp return with Boyfriend Forever, her latest single. It’s playful, confident and packed with early-2000s pop attitude, a knowing wink to an era of candy-coated heartbreaks and radio-ready hooks.

JayaHadADream Drops New Single ‘Bug’ With The Announcement Of Debut Project 'Happiness From Agony'

Mick Jenkins, EMIL, And ENNY Team Up On ‘Words I Should’ve Said’

Mick Jenkins has joined forces with London producer EMIL and ENNY on ‘Words I Should’ve Said’, a track that pairs stripped-back production with raw lyrical honesty. It’s the second single from their joint project A Murder of Crows, landing October 3rd, and it arrives with a Flora Scott-directed video.

Geo Baddoo Revives Lovers Rock On New Single ‘Silver Lining’

Geo Baddoo returns with ‘Silver Lining,’ her first true love song. Drawing on ‘70s Lovers Rock and reggae classics, the British soul-R&B artist strips back the drama of modern romance in favour of honesty and connection.

Inside the World of ix & uyi: An Intimate Live Experience

Through collaborative project, 'it’s over, we tried', rising Birmingham duo ix & uyi. fuse emotion, community, and innovation into a groundbreaking live experience.

Pozer Drops ‘Jersey King’ And Claims His Spot In The UK Scene

Pozer is back with ‘Jersey King’, a track that proves why he’s become one of the most talked-about names in UK rap.

Douvelle19 & AntsLive Link up On Heavy Release 'Ghost'

Cardiff producer/DJ Douvelle19 has joined forces with North London rap powerhouse AntsLive on their brand-new single ‘Ghost’, fusing Douvelle19’s hypnotic, bass-heavy production with AntsLive’s razor-sharp wordplay, bringing together two rising forces from different corners of the UK scene.

| INTERNATIONAL ACTS |

[REVIEW] Kraak & Smaak Stun With Psychedelic Brilliance on ‘Velvet Seas’

[REVIEW] Moon Panda's New Album 'Dumb Luck' is Blissfully Dreamy

Moon Panda's 'Dumb Luck' is a blissfully dreamy offering, born out of joy and complexity, with the strength of collaboration and connection right at its core.

[REVIEW] Ocean Alley Return With Sun-Soaked Fifth Album ‘Love Balloon’

Ocean Alley's signature sun-drenched groove with a playful, psychedelic edge is still ever present, but on Love Balloon it feels brighter, a little looser, and a lot more confident.

Mick Jenkins, EMIL, And ENNY Team Up On ‘Words I Should’ve Said’

[REVIEW] Between Friends - WOW!: Tightly Crafted Earworms Designed for the Dance Floor

If you want an eclectic collection of strong pop bangers, then this is the album for you.

| PLAYLIST UPDATES |

| LATEST POSTS |

JERUB Celebrates Life’s Messy Beauty On ‘The Wonder Years’

Jim Legxacy Drops Video For ‘06 Wayne Rooney’ And It’s Pure Nostalgia

NOTION and Willow Kayne drop UK club anthem ‘Waiting’

[REVIEW] Eleni Drake Dives into the Complexities of Modern Dating and Lost Love with new Album CHUCK

British-Greek singer-songwriter Eleni Drake’s fourth album offers a tender rumination of love lost, its skilful lyricism exploring the complexity of emotions involved in the process.

[REVIEW] Mura Masa Continues to Fire on All Cylinders With New EP: Curve +1

This small but mighty offering is proof that Mura Masa is absolutely at the top of his game, with no plans to falter anytime soon. Curve +1 by Mura Masa is out now.

[REVIEW] The Best Debut Mixtape of 2025? JayaHadADream Might’ve Just Dropped It

[REVIEW] Kraak & Smaak Stun With Psychedelic Brilliance on ‘Velvet Seas’

Frisco & Scorcher Link Up For Gritty New Heater “Do It N Done”

Jae Stephens Returns With Early-2000s Pop Confidence On ‘Boyfriend Forever’

[IN THE CROWD] An Intimate and Soulful Evening With Lizmnk

Once you start going to a fair amount of shows and gigs, you slowly start noticing over time, that some shows are a bit too similar. Minimal talking, a strict set list and usually not much room with any improvisation or personality allowed to shine through. This however, was not the case with lizmnk’s single launch party at The Old Queens Head in Islington.

Blair Davie Unveils Heartfelt EP, 'First And Last'

Scottish rising-star Blair Davie (they/them) has today released new EP, First And Last, offering a range of sincere musings on the topic of love.

[REVIEW] The Favors Offer a Striking, Compelling Debut Album with ‘The Dream’

Comprising close friends FINNEAS and Ashe, The Favors have brought tender songwriting and heart-swelling harmonies to the fore on debut album, The Dream.

Lizmnk Returns with Glorious Double Single, 'Sun Is My Lover/Mirage'

It's been two years since Newham-born musician Lizmnk released her debut EP, 'Message from above'. She now returns with two new tracks, ‘Sun Is My Lover/Mirage’.

[REVIEW] The Smoke Clears as Lord Apex Ends an Era

Lord Apex ends the Smoke Sessions saga on an effortless yet timeless, hazy high.

Girls Don’t Sync Drop Debut EP ‘Code Orange’ Mixing UK Garage, Hard House, And Diasporic Rhythms

Girls Don’t Sync have released their debut EP Code Orange, capturing the sound of a collective who have gone from underground club champions to one of the UK’s most-watched electronic groups.

Primavera Sound Has Dropped its 2026 Line-Up - and it's STACKED

THE CURE, DOJA CAT, THE XX, GORILLAZ, MASSIVE ATTACK, ADDISON RAE AND MY BLOODY VALENTINE, MAC DEMARCO, PINKPANTHERESS - Crikey, they've done it again, haven't they?

Dreaming Eli is Flourishing with My Name is Amore

Dreaming Eli has always been a house of survival. Its previous seasons charted a woman’s journey through rebellion, trauma, and self-preservation, a narrative sewn with pain, defiance, and eventual rebirth. But for Spring/Summer 2026, Elisa Trombatore loosens her grip on armour.

Footpatrol and Salomon Team Up For Their First Collaboration As They Rework The XT-4 OG

Footpatrol and Salomon have linked for their first collaboration, reimagining the XT-4 OG with a monochrome gradient finish. The pair, previewed earlier at Paris Fashion Week, brings together Salomon’s technical DNA and Footpatrol’s city-minded aesthetic.

[REVIEW] Moon Panda's New Album 'Dumb Luck' is Blissfully Dreamy

Moon Panda's 'Dumb Luck' is a blissfully dreamy offering, born out of joy and complexity, with the strength of collaboration and connection right at its core.

Lucila Safdie Builds Dreamscapes with Tristesse Impériale

Lucila Safdie does not design clothes so much as she builds dreamscapes. For Spring/Summer 2026, that dreamscape is “tristesse impériale”: a moodboard of obsession, inheritance, and the fragile fever of girlhood, refracted through both history and the pixelated glare of the present.

Demna’s Bold Debut: Gucci Reimagined

With “La Famiglia”, Demna injects playful energy, daring silhouettes, and modern luxury into Gucci, offering a glimpse of the house’s new direction.

JayaHadADream Drops New Single ‘Bug’ With The Announcement Of Debut Project 'Happiness From Agony'

[REVIEW] Gilles Peterson’s We Out Her Festival continues to shine as one of the UK’s most heart-thawing experiences

Nestled within Dorset’s rolling countryside lies a nexus of UK jazz, soul and beyond. Expertly curated with an expansive spectrum of music and culture, WOH has mastered a magical alchemy that draws together people of all ages and walks of life into a glistening, love-bound community.

[REVIEW] Ocean Alley Return With Sun-Soaked Fifth Album ‘Love Balloon’

Ocean Alley's signature sun-drenched groove with a playful, psychedelic edge is still ever present, but on Love Balloon it feels brighter, a little looser, and a lot more confident.

Mick Jenkins, EMIL, And ENNY Team Up On ‘Words I Should’ve Said’

Geo Baddoo Revives Lovers Rock On New Single ‘Silver Lining’

The MOBOs are Heading to Manchester

The MOBOs have today announced that the latest iteration of the awards ceremony will take place on 26 March 2026, at CO-OP Live in Manchester.

Inside the World of ix & uyi: An Intimate Live Experience

Through collaborative project, 'it’s over, we tried', rising Birmingham duo ix & uyi. fuse emotion, community, and innovation into a groundbreaking live experience.

[REVIEW] Between Friends - WOW!: Tightly Crafted Earworms Designed for the Dance Floor

If you want an eclectic collection of strong pop bangers, then this is the album for you.

Kofi Stone Announces Third Album ‘All The Flowers Have Bloomed’

Kofi Stone has announced his third album, All The Flowers Have Bloomed, a 14-track release due on Friday, November 7th. The Birmingham rapper has spent the past few years carving out a place for himself as one of the most honest voices in UK rap, and this record is set to feel like the natural extension of that path.

Loyle Carner Announces The Stacked Line-Up For His ‘hopefully !’ World Tour

Loyle Carner has confirmed the line-up for his hopefully ! world tour, which begins next month. Navy Blue, Rejjie Snow, Léa Sen, and Brian Nasty will join him across different dates, underscoring the collaborative spirit that’s always defined Carner’s approach.

Pozer Drops ‘Jersey King’ And Claims His Spot In The UK Scene

Pozer is back with ‘Jersey King’, a track that proves why he’s become one of the most talked-about names in UK rap.

[REVIEW] Blood Orange Weaves Memories, Loss, And Homecoming Into His Striking Return 'Essex Honey'

Blood Orange’s Essex Honey is a striking return after six years, weaving grief, Essex memories, and a heavy roster of collaborators into a 14-track record that feels both intimate and expansive. With moments of raw vulnerability and flashes of bold experimentation, Dev Hynes delivers one of his most personal works to date.

Skepta & Fred Again.. Surprise The Scene With ‘Skepta .. Fred’

Skepta and Fred again.. have dropped Skepta .. Fred, a surprise five-track EP blending grime and dance energy. Following their chart-smashing “Victory Lap” and the high-voltage “Back 2 Back,” the project adds three new tracks; “London,” “Last 1s Left,” and “21 Years.” Across 16 minutes, Skepta and Fred prove their unlikely partnership just works: raw, fun, and built for both festival chaos and headphones at full blast.

[REVIEW] Mariah The Scientist Fights For Love On Toy Soldier Themed Lp ‘HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY’

Atlanta R&B act Mariah the Scientist positions herself at the ‘HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY’ military base and aims to rule victorious through a 10 track, 80’s inspired, love-engrossed call to arms, under soldier pseudonym Buckles.

Douvelle19 & AntsLive Link up On Heavy Release 'Ghost'

Cat Burns Announces Her Intimate New Album 'How to be Human'

Cat Burns announces her new album How to be Human, out 31st October, following her acclaimed debut early twenties. Spanning 16 tracks including singles “All This Love” and “GIRLS!”, the record explores grief, heartbreak, and self-growth with raw authenticity. Written entirely by Cat and paired with visuals she conceptualised, the album will be supported by a seven-date UK headline tour this November, alongside an upcoming All Points East festival appearance.

Leah Cleaver Drops Bold Second Single ‘Have You Ever’

Leah Cleaver keeps her momentum alive with new single ‘Have You Ever’, the sparkling follow-up to her debut ‘Last Time’. It’s a playful track that balances chaos with charm, leaning into Leah’s gift for turning confessional moments into something everyone can connect with.

LYVIA Gets Confessional On New Single ‘Little White Lie'

Nottingham’s own LYVIA is done keeping secrets. Her new single “Little White Lie” is as bold as it is confessional, a sharp-edged pop cut that takes messy honesty and turns it into something you can move to.

Florence + The Machine Are Back With Their Sixth Studio Album 'Everybody Scream'

Florence Welch confirms her sixth Florence + The Machine album Everybody Scream, due October 31. The title track arrives with a video by Autumn de Wilde and collaborations from IDLES’ Mark Bowen, Mitski, and The National’s Aaron Dessner.

Tiana Major9 Flips Mobb Deep Classic Into Her Powerful Return ‘shook one’

Tiana Major9 returns with ‘shook one’, a smoky, jazz-infused reimagining of Mobb Deep’s iconic ‘Shook Ones Pt II’. Calling out emotional immaturity with precision and bite, the track marks a new chapter for one of the UK’s most distinctive modern soul voices.

From London with Soul: The Rise of Odeal and the UK R&B Summer Revival

His sun has broken through the clouds, and Odeal now stands as a defining presence in the new wave of UK R&B.

JayaHadADream Teams Up With Big Zuu On Hard-Hitting New Single ‘Main Characters’

Cambridge rapper JayaHadADream links with Big Zuu for their first collaboration ‘Main Characters’, produced by Crafty893. Confident, sharp, and full of heart, the track pushes Jaya’s rise forward while highlighting her chemistry with one of the UK’s most respected MCs.

[REVIEW] Kae Tempest’s Self-Titled Is Defiant And Intimate With A Stark Sense Of Urgency

One thing you can always count on in the music landscape is that there will never be a shortage of ‘Self Titled’ albums released. Usually saved for up-and-coming acts ready to drop their debut albums or larger acts struggling to think of a strong title for their new album. The baggage that also arrives with this title is the overused statement: “Their most personal work yet.” It’ll pop up on many press releases for self-titled albums, whether that’s actually true or not.

Houghton 2025: The Beating Heart Of Boutique Festivals

When Craig Richards launched Houghton in 2017, he set out to create something deeply personal, a festival driven by impeccable music, meticulous attention to detail, and artistic vision rather than profit.

Louis Dunford Releases ‘Did You Hear About Charlie?’ Ahead Of Deluxe Album ‘Be Lucky - Last Orders’

Louis Dunford’s new single “Did You Hear About Charlie?” is one of his rawest yet. It’s built around a simple guitar line and a clear message: loss, memory, and the kind of childhood friendship that leaves a permanent mark. The chorus hits hard: “run Charlie, run, ”no filler, just that same emotional honesty Louis has built his name on.

Corteiz And Boy Better Know Link Up For Historic 20th Anniversary Collab

Boy Better Know just turned 20, and they’re marking it with their first-ever fashion collab, naturally, it’s with Corteiz.

Tiwa Savage And Skepta Drop ‘On A Low’ Ahead Of Her New Album 'This One Is Personal'

After what feels like a lifetime of constant teasing with clips, Tiwa Savage and Skepta finally make it official on “On A Low,” their long-rumoured collab that’s been years in the making.

[REVIEW] Jim Legxacy Turns Years of DIY Graft Into One of the UK’s Most Important Projects This Decade ‘Black British Music (2025)’

Jim Legxacy’s Black British Music isn’t just a mixtape. It’s a generational project, ambitious, personal, and sharp. Built on pain, humour, and heritage, this is a record that captures the state of modern British culture with clarity and nerve.

Jessy Blakemore’s ‘Fone Sex’ Is A Raw, Intimate Statement From A Rising UK Star

Jessy Blakemore’s new track “fone sex” gets under your skin without forcing anything. It’s slow, raw, and completely unguarded, just her voice, her guitar, and a clear headspace, stripping everything back to talk about something most people avoid: how easy it is to lose yourself online.