Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
The prestigious annual O2 Silver Clef Awards, held on June 30th 2023 to honour artists from across the music industry, and has so far raised £537,000 for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity. This huge fundraising boost will help Nordoff and Robbins’ trained music therapists to support some of the most vulnerable children and adults in the UK; helping those with autism, dementia, learning difficulties, brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses, mental health challenges, grief and trauma connect and communicate through music.
The glittering award ceremony - now in its 46th year - at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane saw international superstar and cultural icon Stormzy winning the flagship O2 Silver Clef Award, the legendary Mark King of Level 42 being honoured with the Icon Award and pop legend Neneh Cherry receiving the accolade for Outstanding Achievement. Trailblazer RAYE received Best Female, while rock renegades Nova Twins took home the Innovation Award. Jazz singer songwriter sensation Gregory Porter won Best Male and award-winning American singer songwriter Adam Lambert picked up the International Award. Wet Leg received the New Music Award and Biffy Clyro won Best Live Act, UK music legends N-Dubz were honoured with the Best Group Award and Ayanna Witter-Johnson won the Classical Award.
Guest award presenters included Queen lead guitarist Sir Brian May, Mobo awards founder Kanya King and chef and TV presenter Andi Oliver.
Presented by Edith Bowman for the fifth-year running, with Peter Andre returning to take his regular hosting spot on the blue carpet, the O2 Silver Clef Awards are held to recognise and celebrate the talent of the winning artists and the powerful impact of music on all members of our society. Since 1976, through the power of music, the awards have raised over £12 million for Nordoff and Robbins and honoured some of the greatest names in music.
In 2022, Nordoff and Robbins held nearly 50,000 music therapy sessions across the UK for some of the most isolated people in society, and the need for music therapy is greater than it has ever been.
Share
Advertisement
Artist and producer Erick Alonso Moreno brings listeners a fresh sound in his latest single, “Dark Pop.” The California-based musician is known to write, record, and produce his own records, including his newest release, scheduled for early November.
Music came to Erick Alonso Moreno as a therapeutic outlet. Faced with depression, Moreno turned to music for solace and healing. “One of the reasons I got into music is my brother suffered from depression, and it was something I experienced, too,” shares the musician.”
Connecting with music and composing not only elevated Erick Alonso Moreno’s mood—it helped him on a path of self-improvement. Sharing his story also allows Moreno to connect with listeners through his ups and downs and inspire them on their path of self-improvement.
Moreno’s musical influences include a wide variety of genres, including a recent love for Tyler the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West. “I love betas and how they rhyme songs,” explains Moreno. “I’m trying to mix that into my own song and identity by listening to other artists and then making my own style.” Another large influence in his music is Latin music, which he infuses in his songs to further develop a unique listening experience.
If Erick Alonso Moreno had his own genre, it would be named “Dark Pop,” after the single and inspired sound. The vibe is a blend of pop with hip hop and rap influences. It is the opposite of dreamy pop, as dark pop has grit.
Moreno’s musical abilities enable him to be a one-stop shop for music creation. He envisions, writes lyrics, composes, and produces his own music from start to finish. “I write the melody, make sounds, play guitar, produce beats. I produce my music as I intend for the song to sound.”
For Moreno, each song is crafted with a unique meaning to share with listeners. “Each album shares the whole story of a period of time where I struggled and addresses how to overcome or fix or improve from that struggle,” explains the artist. It’s the singles that give a true glimpse of each issue, from depression to self-improvement.
The single “Dark Pop” was born from exploration. “One day, I was producing melodies and somehow came up with this piano. From there, I remember hearing the piano and came back the next day and tried to follow the rhyme, putting random words until I found myself rapping. Before that point, I didn’t know if I could see myself rapping / doing hip hop.”
For Erick Alonso Moreno, “Dark Pop” is about putting yourself out there and saying “look at me and see what I can do, even in the face of adversity.” On a personal note, it highlights the artist’s transition to hip hop and putting doubters in their place. “It was really tough to bring the single to life,” shares Moreno. “While recording the vocals, I struggled because I wasn’t comfortable hearing my own voice in this new kind of melody, hearing myself do something new.”
Leaving the single to settle for a few weeks, Moreno was awakened by a dream in which he was told by an eccentric individual how to record and make his vocals stand out of the mix. “I was struggling to hear my own voice, but this dream Brough it to life,” he adds of the uncanny experience.
In addition to the release of his latest single, Erick Alonso Moreno is excited to share more music with listeners. His album is currently in the works.
Make sure to stay connected to Erick Alonso Moreno on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
Spotify
Tiktok
Instagram
Facebook
Share
Advertisement
