Local nu-soul crooner 8th Grader debuted the video for his song “The Sweetness” last week, and we’re enamored. Also known as Jayson Martinovich, the artist seeks to redefine the concept of slow jams by blending elements of pop, R&B and chillwave in his latest release Diamonds, Silver and Gold. As a different version of “All the Sweetness” from the album, the video gives a sultry, soulful air as he and his lady friend move in and out of the shadows in vignetted scenes. And the best way to view this video? Just kick back, relax, and let 8th Grader do all the singing.

If the video isn’t enough, be sure to catch him alongside songstress Jasmine Nichol at Brick and Mortar Music Hall on December 22. - Erin Dage

San Francisco based neo soul R&B musician, 8th Grader has released a new self titled EP. This creative and mellow down tempo R&B EP has a smooth and enticing style that brings new flavor to the Bay Area music scene. This 6-track album has touches of 80's synth soul with influences of Prince's classic soundscape. The album definitely has a great flow. We encourage that you give the 8th Grader EP!

The Bay's Tricycle Records is giving away some great Bay Area bred music on its latest "Friends of Tricycle Records Compilation Vol. 2," available for free download here. Provide an email address and get 18 tracks from many of the Deli's favorites bands including Big Tree, Le Vice, Loquat, The Hot Toddies, and more. Find the entire track list below.

While you're feeling the local love, watch Le Vice get thugged out in its new video for the band's take on Drake's "Underground Kings," off the recently released album Neverland.

--Whitney Phaneuf

Friends of Tricycle Records Compilation Vol. 2:

Big Tree, “Storm King”
Mister Loveless, “Wild Summer”
8th Grader, “Heavy Without You”
Le Vice, “Find You”
The Hot Toddies, “Boogie Nights”
Loquat, “Simple Song” (Shins cover)
Birdmonster, “Living”
Sioux City Kid & The Revolutionary Ramblers “Darlin’ Darlin'"
Rich Girls, “Sink Like Stones”
Fake Your Own Death, “Reindeer Games”
Paranoids, “Astronaut”
I Am Animal, “Just You Wait”
Here Come The Saviours, “Tomorrows Version Of Me”
Magic Fight, “I’m Not (Going Back)”
Teenage Sweater, “Oceans and Seas”
The Union Trade, “Everyday Including Holidays (Remix)”
Lilofee, “Girls on My Brain”
Vows, “OurBrethren’s”