You guys have no idea how hard it was for me to refrain from clapping my hands or snapping my fingers during this recording session because that’s how much I really LOVE this song! Dawn Richard is a force! As you know I’ve been raving about her for some time now & I just felt it was time for me to cover one of her magnificent songs from her solo debut LP, Goldenheart. Let me just say how much I adore her for what she’s doing, especially because she’s in to taking chances & not conforming her art & she did all of this as an independent artist! The song ’86 touched me the first time I heard it. I love the retro 80s vibe & how Dawn delivers vocally on the song. Clearly I have a muse to focus on for this vocal. This is Toy Taha! Press play…
Continue reading
Toy’s Treasure Chest: ’86
18 MayNew Song: Toy Taha ft. Nightmeer “Memories”
9 May
Off of my upcoming EP, I Am Woman… Here is the second official single entitled, “Memories” featuring Nightmeer. This time around, I wanted texture, so I chose a piece that incorporated live instrumentation with the congas and horns, which I’ve always been a big fan of, but I still wanted to keep elements of hip-hop & soul. When I wrote the song I wanted the verses to be simplistic and melodically fluid in contrast to the pre-hook that I perform staccato. It’s basically about being strong enough to overcome a situation that isn’t good for you and even though, you are vulnerable because of the memories, you allow yourself to move on and not remain stuck in love. This is Toy Taha! Listen below…
Credits:
Memories
Released 09 May 2013
Written & Arranged by Toy Taha; Lead & Background Vocals by Toy Taha; Rap Section Written & Performed by Nightmeer; Produced by Serious for Serious Productions; Additional Production by Toy Taha for Face Music Entertainment; Recorded & Mixed by Nightmeer for Out of Orda Studio Productions
YouTube Sirens: Mike D
8 May
Mike D is a singer/songwriter from Ontario, Canada who started singing at the age of 5 and discovered passion in writing songs at 15. His musical style is heavily influenced by numerous legendary acts such as Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, and Brandy to name a few.
In July 26, 2010, he released his debut EP, Euphoric on iTunes featuring the single “Get It” (featuring the Sleeze). The EP debuted at #4 on iTunes R&B/ Hip Hop albums chart in Canada on the week of its release. In 2011, his single “Forgive and Forget” was named the Toronto’s Radio Star Songwriting Competition winner and showcased at the 2011 Canadian Music Week.
He is currently traveling to Los Angeles and Toronto to finish his follow-up EP which is due in the Fall of 2013. Mike’s latest release is a beautiful pop track entitled, “Fighting Sleep,” which he wrote along with the producer of the track, Roberto Horns. LOVE his delivery and the energy of this track. It’s quite infectious, I love when the drums entered because it was reminiscent of a marching band. “Fighting Sleep” will definitely be another success for Mike, therefore METY cannot wait for the upcoming EP in its entirety! For more music, visit his YouTube channel: Mike D. Listen here… Continue reading
New Song: Toy Taha “Ring My Bell”
23 Apr
Inspired by R&B veteran Johnny Gill and his classic hit “My, My, My,” Founder of METY, singer-songwriter Toy Taha unveils a fiery, bedroom banger entitled, “Ring My Bell,” which is the first single off of her upcoming debut EP, I Am Woman… With airy vocals, Toy rides the “Balcony” beat originally by Bad Boy artist Cassie, cooing, “Got my full attention / you see what you’ve been missing / you know how you thrill me / we’re dancing in the dark / I want you to…” Get lost in the seduction as Toy channels her sensuality on “Ring My Bell.” Press play… ***DOWNLOAD NOW***
YouTube Sirens: Propane
27 Mar
This is the very first time I’ve featured a rap artist on the YouTube Sirens column, so you should know this artist is special! I haven’t had much time lately to find new talent because I’ve been really busy composing my music for my new project coming soon, however, on my down time I went to YouTube to watch Justin Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie” video and then, I found Propane. I was not expecting this, but he was so good, I probably watched this video 5 times in a row, LOL. If you’ve never heard of him, you’ll feel like you have been missing out once you watch his “Suit & Tie” cover. He raps, he sings and has amazing delivery. Check him out! For more Propane covers, visit his YouTube channel: iAmPropane Continue reading
Album: Jarell Perry “Simple Things”
23 Mar
Love isn’t the only thing to sing about, and Jarell Perry proves this on his debut solo full-length, Simple Things, produced by Hassan—which is out today.
The LA-based singer/songwriter, who has collaborated with everyone from Fat Joe and Usher to Diplo and Rusko, certainly knows how to belt out the stomach-punch emotional resonance of love gone wrong, but he also spins yarn around a modern existence that includes mundane day jobs and the highs (and lows) of a good glass of whiskey.
After the success of singles “Happy 4 U,” featuring Thurz, and the soaring emotional storm “Getaway” (which Perry performed live on Mark Cuban and Ryan Seacrest’s AXS Live! here), Simple Things is hotly anticipated. While grounded in alternative R&B, Simple Things tours through Perry’s many influences, including indie-acoustic, dubstep and chill-wave. Also on the record are two bonus tracks: “First Time,” Perry’s collaboration with Nacho Picasso, Locksmith and Torae, and his Semi Precious Weapons cover song, “Aviation High.”
This is just the beginning of a big year for the multi-faceted, multi-talented artist. Jarell Perry has been working on music with Thurz, Cadence Weapon and hip-hop pioneer Cormega that will see the light of day in 2013. It’s enough to make someone fall in love—and then write a song about it.
Download Jarell Perry’s Simple Things below… Continue reading
Toy’s Treasure Chest: Lost & Found
20 Mar
In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been raving about new artist Lianne La Havas for some time now and I really love her debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough?, so if you don’t own it yet, please purchase it HERE. This is one of my most favorite songs from the LP and it seems to be everyone else’s favorite song too judging from the numerous covers on YouTube. I love her honesty when she sings…there is something very vulnerable about her voice and I simply can’t get enough of it, so I became inspired to take a stab at “Lost & Found.” This is Toy Taha! Press play…
Toy’s Treasure Chest: You Give Good Love
11 Feb
On the anniversary of the incomparable Whitney Houston’s passing, I wanted to pay homage to her in the best way I know how. I can recall being a child & this was the very first Whitney song I heard, learned & fell in love with. I can remember trying to mimic her and execute all of the intricacies and nuances she did, but that never happened because Whitney was a rare gem! Known to her fans and the music industry as “The Voice,” Whitney was certainly one of a kind. In her prime, Whitney’s voice was pristine, powerful, angelic and it touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Houston’s fans will always and forever appreciate the legacy she leaves behind. Here is an acapella snippet of my cover “You Give Good Love.” In no way will this measure to Whitney, there will NEVER be another, but this is my personal tribute to the Queen of Pop. This is Toy Taha! Press play…
Toy’s Treasure Chest: When I Was Your Man
23 Jan
I recorded this song approximately one month ago and I planned on shelving it, but it is speaking to me now. To me, Bruno Mars had one of the BEST albums of 2012 in my opinion, which was the reason it landed on METY’s countdown and one of the songs in particular I just could not get enough of. From the album to his live performances of “When I Was Your Man” really inspired me to cover the song. To me, it seemed pointless to alter the words, therefore I’m singing the song from a man’s perspective and I wanted to keep the same emotion. It’s beautiful. I love the arrangement, the lyrics…just everything about it. This is Toy Taha! Press play…
Toy’s Treasure Chest: Special Delivery
28 Dec
Ever since I heard “Special Delivery,” I raved about the song and I felt it was something I would eventually cover! Bridget Kelly is the other BK I love, love, love. The production of the track was perfect, the lyrics were well-written and I can appreciate the soulful, retro sound. Bridget often describes her musical style as a fusion of R&B, soul and rock. With Kelly inspired by P!nk, Alicia Keys and Alanis Morissette, I am really looking forward to her debut via Roc Nation. Also, BK is reportedly working on her upcoming LP with Ne-Yo, Ryan Leslie, Frank Ocean and James Fauntleroy II. Here’s my take on “Special Delivery!” This is Toy Taha. Press play… Continue reading
Toy’s Treasure Chest: Make You Feel My Love
19 Dec
Well this song has probably been covered one thousand times, so here goes one thousand and one. Honestly this is one of my all-time favorite songs that I love to play over & over again, so it just made sense for me to cover it. Originally written and performed by Bob Dylan, however the rendition I am singing belongs to the great Adele! I chose to strip it a little further and sing in acoustic form because that’s my kind of thing. The song is simply beautiful and most of all, I love the lyrics. “Make You Feel My Love” is so vulnerable and touching that it’s really hard not to become emotional singing the lyrics. My favorite part that signifies true love and what you would go through for the one you love is, “I could make you happy make your dreams come true/ no there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do/ go to the ends of the earth for you/ to make you feel my love.” So this is me stripped! Hope you all enjoy. This is Toy Taha. Press play… Continue reading
Toy’s Treasure Chest: Closer
4 Dec
This is one steamy song! I love UK artist Corinne Bailey Rae so much because there is a rare quality in her voice that’s so raw and pure. “Closer” is one of my favorite songs from her 2010 album, The Sea, which was so incredible that I still play it as if it came out yesterday. The album came from a really vulnerable place in Rae’s life and she recorded it after losing her husband to an untimely death, so it was great to see her in a departure from the norm and just letting go to dive into a little sensuality. I wanted to keep the vocals tender and feline-esque in certain places as Corinne does & I thought it would be better with some added power in other areas. This is me singing while sick, so please be kind, LOL! This is Toy Taha. Press play… Continue reading
