Browsing Tag

D’Angelo

Get close to Kameron Waller with his psycho-sonic soul single, Therapy

Posted on 31 May 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTywV4XsFhs

As smooth, sultry, and cinematic as the most iconic items in D’Angelo’s discography, the standout single, Therapy, from Kameron Waller’s EP, Rose Coloured Lens, is a postcard to 80s nostalgia, signed, sealed, and delivered with modernist lyricality. If you need a late night soul fix, delve into the smorgasbord of it superlatively laid out in Therapy.

After finding his voice in church choirs while independently writing songs, Kameron Waller was primed to make his unforgettable 2022 debut with his single, Traveler. The Maryland-born and raised soul singer has scribed his unique sonic signature through the amalgam of powerfully smooth vocals, lyrical storytelling and focus on honest emotion and empowerment. All of which are present in the confessionally fervent release, Therapy. By the time you reach the outro, you could very well be left with unrealistic romantic expectations.

Stream the official video for Therapy via YouTube or purchase the single via apple music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Sam Handy is ‘Done’ in his soul-fix of a pop hit

Posted on 18 December 2021

Reading UK-based solo artist, Sam Handy, has been lauded by Jeff Beck, the BBC and everyone lucky enough to catch his soul-spilling sound live. After his latest single, Done, he’s set to take his career to even greater heights – the world can’t sleep on this.

Like all of Sam Handy’s recent releases, Done was produced by Ed Stokes. Discernibly, Stokes shares Handy’s passion in keeping the focus on stellar songwriting and instrumental ability; instead of over-producing the raw elements out of the track.

With the funk of Nile Rogers in the light instrumental hooks, the raspy, harmonic neo-soul vocals that carry reminiscences to D’Angelo and the sniping lyricism, Done becomes so much more than a sum of its parts. The single that explores toxic relationships is an intoxicatingly all-consuming track that allows the instrumentals to bring the warm catharsis while the lyrics prove that soul and resilience go hand in hand. In an emboldening way, Done reminds you that everyone deserves a backbone. We can’t wait to hear what follows.

Done is now available to stream on Spotify. To keep up to date with new releases, follow Sam Handy on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Millie releases her powerful and funky EP Outliers

Posted on 24 April 2020

Millie has dropped her latest six-track collection ‘Outliers’ intertwining the sound of Pop but adding in a little jazz, every piece is filled with high energy and groovy melodies.

Always using the guitar to create those funky instrumentals as the guitar begins it’s electric shreds and the drum beats adding in that infectious energy that Millie portrays through all of her music, giving it a real uplifting feeling as you listen.

Millie’s vocal ranges tend to have that more modulated and tending to have that brittle texture to them the higher she goes with her voice, adding a bit of rough edge as she sings at a low-pitch volume. Always stretching out her voice to collide with the melody as that begins to pick up volume and suspense. The rhythm and the vocals go hand in hand and they flow so well together.

Some pieces on the anthology are live pieces, which is interesting to listen to the different atmosphere and the way the voice sounds. If Millie didn’t prove how fantastic her music was before then the mesmerising pieces of stripped-back live music is on a different level. Sometimes with live music it can be a hit or miss, but Millie owned it.  Hearing her voice as it is in all its glory was dreamy, hearing the roar emotion pouring through each word, the powerful instrumentation that collides alongside in such an incredible way.

Listen to Millie’s EP Outliers by heading on over to Spotify now.

Review by Karley Myall

2U4U Release New Single ‘HOME’

Posted on 9 December 2017

2U4U is a rap collective with a particularly unique approach. Their sound is remarkably edgy and direct, going for a very organic vibe that has strong ties with the power of old school hip-hop.

The project’s recent single is a track titled “Home”. The song immediately stands out for its uncommonly upbeat rhythm, often not found on modern-day hip-hop. The lyrical flow is absolutely on the spot, with witty words seamlessly making their way through a dense, texture-rich mix. This production makes me think of quality artists such as J Dilla or Jay Z, but there is also a touch of neo-soul and R&B, which makes me think of acclaimed performers such as D’Angelo or The Roots, only to mention but a few.

2U4U consists of ATMA and My Rugema, who met at school and bonded through their love for awesome neo-soul productions. ATMA’s brother subsequently joined in and the group managed to grow further by including another talented performer and lyricist, Badcal. “Home” follows in the vein of the group’s creative hive-mind, highly focused on creating forward-thinking thematic concepts that really serve as wonderful ideas for their tracks.

Coco Latt’e Presents Her Single Comfortable

Posted on 5 December 2017

Smooth R&B vibes with pleasant pop hooks and electronic influences.

Coco Latt’e has a sweet artist moniker who gives off a sense of warmth and coziness, just like a glass of delicious, creamy chocolate milk on a winter night. Her music is indeed sweet and embracing, offering the warmth of pop and the edgy emotional attitude of soul. Her recent single, “Comfortable”, is a driven, powerful and charismatic track that showcases an enticing groove and amazing production values, along with Coco’s trademark vocal performance. The sound of this track makes me think of artists as diverse as Rihanna, The Weeknd or D’Angelo, just to mention but a few. Her sound is direct and approachable, bridging the gaps between the widespread appeal of pop music and the direct groove of R&B, with an electronic twist.

Ultimately, this song stands out as a perfect example of an artist who is able to create engaging music, while retaining a lot of passion and integrity into her unique vision.

Find out more about Coco Latt’e and do not miss out on “Comfortable” and other releases from this talented singer and performer

Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud

 

Jack Hodges Releases Alternative Pop Track “Strange Feelings”

Posted on 18 October 2017

“Strange Feelings” is a new and exciting single release from singer and songwriter Jack Hodges. The song immediately stands out for its lush, driven and direct textures. The snare sound in particular, is absolutely massive, as if it was echoing from deep down the bottom of a cave. I love the dark, haunting vibes of this track and Jack does a really great job at keeping up with the melodies and textures of this track with his laid-back and on-point vocal performance.

On this track, Jack reminds me of talented artists such as Frank Ocean or D’Angelo, combining unique textures with some stunning sonic ideas. The production value of this single is definitely worth mentioning. The track is absolutely world-class and the mix is balanced and masterfully executed.

Soul/RnB Twins MMG Release New Single “Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink” and Get Set to Tour Japan

Posted on 15 September 2017

Some bands refuse to get stuck into one specific category or niche. Their sound is diverse, airy and full of character, incorporating a wide variety of influences and approaches in a very organic and natural way.

This is certainly the case of MMG, a duo that seems to know no boundaries when it comes to experiment with sound and come up with cool new ideas.

The duo’s kaleidoscopic blend of R&B, jazz, funk, fusion, and soul could be traced back to a wide variety of influences, ranging from classic artists such as Otis Redding or Chit to modern-day icons such as D’Angelo or Thundercat. This eclectic musical act set out to embody the sound and vision of various ages and aesthetics, including 60s R&B and 70s Disco.

The beautiful thing is that all of these musical influences aren’t compartmentalized in the band’s music, but they coexist together, not colliding but seamlessly integrating into one another. It is not really easy to let so many ideas flow together into the mix, but half the job is done when you get to work with such talented and visionary musicians to bring the project to fruition.

“Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink” is a refreshingly upbeat release that stands out as a vibrant party anthem, enticing listeners with infectious rhythms and memorable melodic hooks.

The duo is certainly showcasing their best shape yet on their latest single, which seems to be a bold statement and a sign that they are perfecting and consolidating their charming sonic aesthetics even further.

I love it when catchy songs also have brains and this is certainly the case with “Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink”. This is the kind of track that you can instinctively connect with –  it has a primal groove, a catchy production, and some fun aesthetics. However, this is one of the songs that allow you to dig deeper if you really want to, discovering multiple layers of influences and ideas, coming together into one appealing package. In other words…who said that interesting music couldn’t also be “easy” and readily attractive to a mainstream audience? MMG is an intelligent pair of musicians who really succeeded in making a very unapologetically catchy song with a lot of heart and brains.

Find out more and listen to “Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink” by MMG directly through Spotify and add it to your playlist now!.

AMBY and her haunting vibe track ‘Oxidate’

Posted on 27 July 2017

AMBY is a singer and songwriter with a truly unique approach to her blend of music. Her sound falls somewhere in between experimental electronic, Soul and R&B.

On her brand new single, Oxidate, she set out to create some haunting vibes through some amazing melodic landscapes. Her beats are groovy and hypnotic, relying on tasteful drum machine sounds. The high-hat samples drive the song’s groove, while the kick hits with depth and low-end, adding a full range of tones to the song and complementing the sparse synth backdrop.

AMBY’s vocal tone is tasteful an dynamic. As a singer, she is able to reach a broad range of tones and octaves, giving the music an open and diverse feel. This songs blurs the lines between the soulfulness of artists such as D’Angelo or The Weeknd, with the experimental twist of singers such as Bjork.

The production aesthetics are tasteful and understated. This arrangement is relatively simple, yet extremely rich in its production quirks and aesthetics.

Oxidate is a chill, intimate song with a pleasant atmosphere and some unique vibes, which are very textural and classy.

Find out more and listen to “Oxidate’ directly through AMBY’s official page on Soundcloud.

A&R Factory Present: Rushes debut single “Wild High”

Posted on 31 May 2017
https://youtu.be/rdiqkTmeGF0

Contrast would be the best word to describe singer-songwriter/producer Rushes. Growing up in a small rural town in Ireland isn’t something you normally associate with soulful cutting edge electronic sounds. The time had finally come for Rushes to fly the coop and explore his opportunities by moving to Dublin permanently to refine his craft and link up with innovators who understood his vision.

In 2017, Rushes joined creative collection Diffusion Lab, who has the likes of Soulé and Jafaris in their ranks to bring his diverse ideas alive. Rushes draws inspiration from artists like N.E.R.D, D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, Radiohead, Jai Paul, Kanye West, Marvin Gaye and Prince but never limits his sonic palette.

 

Rushes debut single “Wild High” droped on May 26th. An alluring blend of electro-RnB infused with smooth wavy vocals and perfectly polished production.

With “Wild High”, Rushes launches himself into the eye of the music industry with the intent of being heard. For visuals, he teamed up with Gorilla – Nathan Barlow, responsible for Soulé, Jafaris recent music videos.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RushesOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RushesOfficial

A&R Factory Present: Wade Hampton

Posted on 28 April 2016

Check out 19 year old R&B Singer-Songwrtier Wade Hampton. He is currently living in Nashville TN currently and his Influences include D’Angelo & PARTYNEXTDOOR.

He is planning on releasing a song a month. The first one was titled “GAMES” and was released early march and the second is titled “Make ya Say” which he also shot a video for, and was  directed by Matt Zervos.

Keep an eye out for him this year!