Sam Ostler’s new single, “Lights,” then. It unfolds less like a sudden, intrusive glare and more like the slow, determined burn of a really good stage light finally finding its mark after a prolonged blackout. It’s pop, yes, vibrant and undeniably contemporary as advertised – clean lines, clear intentions. Yet, there’s a certain satisfying heft beneath the melodic uplift, a feeling that these notes...

"Mase J: Derby's Storm in a Rhyme Vesse Mase J has carved out a niche for himself as Derby's most recognised alternative rap musician, despite the city's rich musical history. His music is as unabashedly distinct as it is appealing, embodying the spirit of a maverick and the force of a roiling storm. Mase J has continued the popularity of his early releases after receiving high marks...