After wowing us all on The Voice UK and getting through to the live shows, placing eighth overall, NXTGEN released new single, titled “Rewind”, as well as an accompanying music video, today. It follows up their previous release “Embrace” which featured will.i.am, who was their coach on The Voice UK.
NXTGEN are a trio consisting of Cian Gleeson, Joel Healey, and Sonny Hardman. They are best known for competing on the eighth series of The Voice UK where they were coached by will.i.am and managed to place eighth. Prior to becoming a three-piece, they were part of a five-piece group named Yes Lad (with Luke Gregory and Lewis Maxwell), who fans of The X Factor will remember, as the quintet auditioned for the 13th series of the show, where they managed to reach the Judge’s Houses stage before being eliminated. The group continued on after the show, releasing a few singles and touring up and down the country – we even reviewed their Birmingham gig. They soon parted ways but reformed before The Voice UK. Now, as a three-piece, NXTGEN are ready to bring it, especially with the backing of will.i.am.
This song has been written by Team Salut (Gabriel Kwaku Wood and Glenard Kojo Patnelli), will.i.am, and NXTGEN, whilst it was produced by Team Salut. As for the music video, that has been directed by Shadae Lamar Smith with Melinda James acting as director of photography. Sara Ramaker acted as producer and Rya Thomas was the co-producer. The visual was shot on LA’s Venice Beach, whilst the guys love interests are played by models Rachael Blanchard, Nova Renay, and Shanquenta Clay.
Talking about the track in a press release, Cian Gleeson said: “’Rewind’ was one of the first songs we worked on with Will at Metropolis Studios in London. He played us a demo and we all loved it instantly. We spent the next few hours tweaking some of the lyrics before we cut the record. A month later we were on Venice Beach shooting the video. None of us could believe it. We all come from single-parent, working-class families and we could never afford to go to America – never mind LA. It’s a dream come true and we hope everyone loves listening to the song as much as we loved recording and shooting it.”
Watch NXTGEN’s Music Video For “Rewind” Here:
This year will see NXTGEN come into their own, especially since “Rewind” is a brilliant cool track with flowing summer vibes. It’s one of those tracks that are both an instant hit but also a grower and one we’re sure you’ll be addicted to when the sun is out. All three guys impress with their vocals, which is not surprising since they were brilliant on The Voice UK; and this song really allows each of them to shine. Lyrically the song is about asking for a second chance, rewinding to a time when they each were in a relationship full of love.
The square music video fits well with the track, showcasing all three guys and their love interests having a good time at Venice Beach. The square style of the music video suggests that this is a reminiscent clip of the good times they had when they were in those relationships which they want to rewind to. The guys look happy and it’s clear this NXTGEN project is bringing out the best in them.
“Rewind” is available to download and stream right now, via iamMedia and eOne Music. We’re excited to watch NXTGEN take leaps in their music career as the next several months go by.
What do you make of NXTGEN’s new single and music video, “Rewind”? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix.
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