Join
now to receive all the new
music
First Word Records releases,
including
30 back-catalog items,
delivered instantly to you via the Bandcamp app for iOS and Android.
Learn more.
First Word is very proud to bring you brand new music from [ K S R ].
'Call My Phone' is a three minute slice of sweet sumptuous soul, showcasing [ K S R ]'s phenomenal vocal & songwriting talents. This is the Mancunian artist's first track released in 2023, and the first taste of an upcoming project working with new producer Teo, who's previously collaborated with Akemi Fox and label mates Children of Zeus.
Hailing from Moss Side, Manchester, [ K S R ] is a young talent that's been steadily building a rep for himself over the past few years as one of the UK's most exciting soul vocalists, with his releases encompassing an eclectic assortment of alternative R&B, future soul, hip hop and D&B.
His own soulful style has seen him collaborate with a number of UK peers; as well as touring with the likes of Mica Miller, Pip Millett, Etta Bond & The Mouse Outfit, performing sell-out headline solo shows in Manchester and London with gigs at legendary venues such as The Jazz Cafe and Blues Kitchen, and playing various festivals across Europe such as We Out Here.
Since he began developing his music in 2017, [ K S R ] has had support from the likes of 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music, Mixmag, NTS, Reprezent, Unity & Soho Radio.
His debut release 'Unfiltered' appeared on Polarface Records in 2019, which was followed by single 'Flex With Me' (produced by Tyler Daley from Children of Zeus), then an independent second EP, 'Take Control', followed in late 2020 which amassed over 500k streams.
A third EP dropped on First Word at the end of 2021, entitled 'Peace + Harmony'. This one produced by Dom Porter and mixed by Eric Lau saw support from the likes of Mr. Scruff (Worldwide FM), and Victoria Jane (BBC Radio 1), with the lead single being named as 'Track Of The Week' on 1Xtra / BBC Introducing.
Most recently there was an acoustic version of EP track 'Lily Apart', a collab 'Falling' with Abnormal Sleepz and a self-produced independent two-tracker in late 2022 called 'Guessnobodyknows'. These were all supported by Spotify's 'New Music Friday', with the latter also appearing in their 'Chilled R&B' playlist.
He's also featured on a slew of D&B tracks, with artists like Lenzman, Zero T, Searchlight, Makoto, GLXY, BCee, Emba & Redeyes.
[ K S R ] was additionally named an "R&B act to watch" by Complex in 2022, had features with Notion magazine, and was named in Bandcamp's "Best Soul Releases".
Aside from the music releases, he's been recruited by several notable brands for promotional campaigns across Europe, most recently for New Balance as a creative ambassador for London Marathon, and previously for Manchester United, Foot Locker, Nike and Size? (on a special MCR-themed Air Force 1 release).
"For the fifteenth instalment of this compilation series I’ve picked one track from each of the year’s releases (including selections from our sister label Excursions) with a couple of exclusives added, rounding it out to 17 tracks of soul, hip hop, beats, jazz and bruk. "
Name a price for a finest selection ! K.Rise
Produced by BADBADNOTGOOD, the Atlanta vocalist and songwriter's new album is a tenacious mix of R&B, jazz, psych, and Americana. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 18, 2024
Another fantastic cosmic voyage from the Hungarian fusion band, with cornerstones of disco, jazz-funk, psychedelia, and soul. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 14, 2024
KT is back! A killer album. KT's tonal signature is in the soul of each track. So beautifully recognisable. Like listening to Mr Glasper or SAULT. Quality all the way. majhium