Heartstreets

Hip-Hop and R&B duo Heart Streets are kicking off spring with a feel good track. “Under My Skin” is the second release from Heart Streets this year. The girls will be releasing and performing the track for the first time at the unveiling of the program of the 17th Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival and the 8Th TD- Blue Met Children’s Festival on March 23rd. The song was inspired by DANS MA PEAU / IN MY SKIN, one of Blue Met's educational and social programs. This project involved a group of young women who have eating disorders (such as anorexia), and explored the concept of beauty.

Watch the music video shot by Emma's father on an iPhone 6 right here:



This jazzy rendition produced by Belgium group Ganja White Night takes the girls back to their roots, which is that old-school hip hop sound that gets your neck boppin’ non-stop. The progressive bridge and catchy chorus will get you singing along after the first listen. This infectious track not only put us all in a good mood, it promotes a great message for anyone out there experiencing issues of self-confidence.

Stream / Download the track for free right here: - IX DAILY

Heart Streets is the combined efforts of Montreal musicians Gabrielle Godon and Emma Beko. The combination of Godon's deep, soulful voice and Beko's rap prowess and beats would likely turn Kaytranada green and have Sango take note.

The two met when they were just nine-years-old and realized they shared a passion for hip-hop, R&B, and performing. They first went into the studio together in 2011 and Heart Streets was born.

"We used to do hip-hop choreography together for shows in elementary school," says Beko of Heart Strets' humble beginnings. "Then in high school, we would sing on the bus and stuff like that."



Their sound evolved from school bus sing-a-longs into what it is today—a perfect mix of soul, R&B, and hip-hop—by a natural progression of music exposure and consumption. "It has always been natural for us when it comes to old school hip-hop, R&B, and all that late '80s and '90s music. We love Mary J Blige, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, and Biggie Smalls. We always end up closer to our roots which is pretty much what happened with our latest single ["Under My Skin"]."

After recording their first EP in April 2011, Heart Streets played their first show at Bistro de Paris a mere week later. By the time Godon and Beko walked onto the stage, the place was packed.

"That's when we realized something was happening," Beko remembers.

Then, in 2013, Heart Streets made a second EP entitled Beats, Blunts and Broads and collaborated with different artists on multiple side projects. One project being the LOL Boys hit "Changes".


The duo took a short break before getting back in the studio in 2014. "Under My Skin" is Heart Streets' latest single, the track was funded in part by Metropolis Bleu and Telus to raise awareness about body issues for young women. "We worked with the foundation Metropolis Blue, which I had been in contact with before and knew they really liked our work, wanted to support local talent, and reach out to more people through our music," Godon explains. "We're super excited we got involved in that project."


Both are extremely proud of their past shows and praise their first-ever show in Montreal as being one of their favourites. "I'm proud of us for planning that first show at Bistro de Paris four years ago because we would not be here right now if it weren't for that. I'm also so proud of us playing Budapest. And at Paris, when fans sang the lyrics with us," says Godon.

"In all honesty I'm often proud of what we're doing. There isn't a moment in particular that stands out to me. I find myself sometimes just taking it all in and smiling because of what we've accomplished and how far we've gone," adds Beko. "We started out knowing nothing about the business but we've handled ourselves pretty well this far."

As for their 2015 plans, the duo have a debut album is in the works. "There's no definite date on the album. We are working on one but want to make sure it's the best it can be, so we won't rush it," says Beko.

Heart Streets is picking up speed and aren't about to hit the brakes. "Plans for 2015 include working our asses off to make sure Heart Streets gets the exposure it deserves," says Beko. We have no doubt that is exactly what they will do. - Thump

Montreal two-piece Heart Streets release their new single "Under My Skin" today (March 24), and they've given the fresh track the visual treatment — which you can see right here at Exclaim!

The dynamic duo — consisting of Emma Beko and Gabrielle Godon — deliver their unique blend of hip-hop and R&B on the new tune, serving up rhythmic, soulful vocals atop a jazzy, groove-fuelled beat. There's even an empowering message to boot, with the girls' proclaiming: "I don't care if you don't like me, 'cause I love myself."

As for the visuals, we get to see home footage from a variety of everyday people. There's shots of gymnasts flipping backwards, vintage wedding videos and an array of Montrealers doing their thing in their natural habitat. It was all shot by Beko's dad on an iPhone 6.

Nab a free download of the new single in the SoundCloud player below, and scroll past that to watch the feel-good clip for "Under My Skin." - Exclaim