We Plug To You... FOUR KORNERZ

As an artist, if you have talent and you've got the "swag" to go with it then that's a double whammy, right? Now quadruple that and you've got four times your attention's worth in these featured artists. Over the course of time, "boy groups" from the Commodores to Boyz II Men have always had the ability to have effect of sorts on their listeners and while it would be premature to draw comparisons with those legendary groups and this here featured act, allow me to bring to you an evolution of the "boy group" in this new generation. They go by the name: FOUR KORNERZ - four biological brothers coming together to make good, inspirational music.

The London based-quartet is led by eldest brother Charles Deji Juba (lead vocals) and made up of TJ (keys/vocals), Vidal (drums), Daniel (Electro-vocals). A multi-award winning band already, Four Kornerz are set to release their new single "Superstar" next month (May 2). The single will serve as the band’s first officially release since their 2007 debut album 'Soulectric' and by all accounts, it sounds to be well worth the four year wait for some new music from the group.

Four Kornerz definitely had the ladies in mind when they wrote their new song - the bass heavy uptempo and catchy "Superstar" - which proclaims that they (females) are superstars and encourages all the females out there to believe in themselves and reach for the top. Coming from a set of cool dudes like Four Kornerz, I bet that their female listeners will certainly believe their message. Listen below:

"Superstar":

"...Love is gonna take you around the world, gonna give you more than diamonds & pearls, you gotta believe...Baby, you're a superstar...."

The lead vocalist, Deji delivers his trademark soulful vocals while the rest of the guys do their thing with the music giving it a "doowop" swing, making you move to the music as the message sinks in. Deji says of the song:

"the song was inspired by a lot of things. A large part of the story behind this song is based on the unrealistic body-type expectations mounted (on) us in today’s popular culture. The lyrics are more specific to women as I think the pressures on them are more extreme from things like size zero, cellulite and botox. However, both men and women can embrace the universal message in the song; Celebrating how awesome and wonderful you are".

"Superstar" is produced by Scsi who is part of the Four Kornerz production team and draws influences from the Soul artists of the Motown era as well as more modern chart toppers like Bruno Mars and Jamiroquai.

Preceding this new record, Four Kornerz independently released their debut album 'Soulectric' (2007) which featured gospel and inspirational songs as "Clap Clap" and "Gonna Make It". "Clap Clap" is a very danceable song with more upbeat instrumentation led by lush keyboard chords, drum kicks and soulful harmonies. Deji impressively goes jazzy with his scatting skills. The Neo-Soul elements of this song's musical ornamentation and accompaniment are very evident. The lyrics tell you to dance, so does the music.

"Clap Clap":

"Anybody wanna praise Him with me, Clap Clap your hands, you must move your feet to this"

On the other hand, the Control S-Club Mix of "Gonna Make It" has a distinctively uptempo Electro-Funk/Boogie vibe to it and with it being a club mix, that's quite understandable. The message of this song is very clear and quite compelling despite the record being a club dance track. "Gonna Make It" addresses and challenges the perception of self and how image does not determine one's success, that you're "gonna make it" no matter what others think or say about you. The lyrics were stylishly rushed but distinct and well delivered.

"Gonna Make It":

"...I'm gonna make it somehow, Just watch me now, can't hold me down..."

Adeptly inspirational in content, Four Kornerz uniquely create their music with an appealing electro-digital edge to it as you will have clearly heard on the songs above and FourKornerz are definitely topping my list of favorite Gospel artistes coming out of the UK. I am particularly drawn to their eclectic musical creativity and sound. It's Gospel yet fun, it's playful yet deep.The personality and message of their songs show through effectively and fits in perfectly with a mainstream mix. Four Kornerz music is boundary-less - you can play their music on the radio, at a party, in church or in your car. You enjoy it all round - it is spiritually effective, physically active and soulfully uplifting. Get their upcoming album to understand what I mean. I guarantee no regrets whatsoever!

Furthermore, Four Kornerz as a band are equally as sublime in their recordings as they are performing live! The band will feature new songs and a sneak-peek into some brand new material from their forthcoming project at their London concert taking place next Wednesday 27 April, 2011 along with supporting acts - emerging songstress Dionne Reid and popular Gospel artist Guvna B. On the night, fans will also have the opportunity to download a free exclusive Four Kornerz track.

“We are taking a different approach towards the Four Kornerz brand. It’s not just music but a whole creative process which will see us enter into other fields like a digital graphic novel which will accompany the Superstar release. More on that little venture soon.” - Deji (Four Kornerz)

Four Kornerz Live in Concert takes place on Wednesday (27 April) at 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN with the show kicking off at 7pm. Tickets are £10 (+ booking fee) in advance and more on the door. For more information and to book your tickets, visit: www.fourkornerz.com

Tosinger