Browsing Tag

Independent RnB

Meet Sage Ryn in the eye of a soul storm with her debut single, Sunday

Posted on 29 November 2024

With her debut single ‘Sunday,’ Memphis-born, Orlando-based Sage Ryn stepped into the R&B spotlight and outshone it as a conduit of vocal serenity. Sunday wraps the listener in a cocoon of dreamy atmospherics, where the magnetically hypnotic textures of the track build around Ryn’s silky-smooth vocal lines, crafting a lush sanctuary of sound.

The auditory embrace is a definitive statement of class wrapped in seraphically stylised soul. Sage Ryn’s sonic signature is a siren call to the weary, a sophisticated emblem cutting through the static of an oversaturated genre. As she scribes the start of what promises to be an enduring legacy, Sunday positions her not only as a standout artist but as a sculptor of new paradigms in R&B.

The track has already attracted a formidable audience, organically racking up 120,000 streams and earning accolades from industry titans like Timbaland, Bow Wow, and Ne-Yo. As Sage Ryn gears up for her next release, ‘PalmTree‘, due late November, the industry watches with bated breath. If ‘Sunday’ is the dawn of her career, the full daylight promises to elevate her status to new heights.

Sunday is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Penny Taylor’s ‘Cuff’ Unchains the Soul of Modern RnB

Posted on 28 November 2024

‘Cuff’ by Penny Taylor smooths out the edges of contemporary RnB. With a trappy pulse, wavy oscillations of reverb wrapping around the melodies, and Taylor’s constantly in-flux vocal presence, it’s the definition of a melodious feat of sonic mesmerism. Hit play and sink into the single, which sees the singer-songwriter lay it all on the line while teasing salaciously hot imagery into the mix, ensuring it hits on every conceivable level.

Having honed his unique sound for over a decade—starting from humble beginnings with a USB mic hanging from his childhood room’s ceiling fan—Taylor has evolved into an unreckonable force in the music industry. Drawing inspiration from Bryson Tiller, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, his distinctive hip hop, neo-soul, and RnB fusion makes him peerless, as does his ability to tune into universal emotion and make them hit with personal resonance.

Taylor may not have reinvented the RnB wheel with ‘Cuff’, but his authentic contribution ensures he has earned his place in the innovative vanguard as the genre shifts with the times, keeping the vibes raw, real, and relatable for this generation and beyond.

Cuff is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FRNZY reverberates apathy through his wavy alt RnB release, you don’t excite me

Posted on 21 November 2024

FRNZY’s seminal alt-RnB single, you don’t excite me, marks a stratospheric stride forward for the genre, deftly weaving soulfully tender melodies with the stark contrast of its titular message. Instead of aiming to run in parallel with contemporary icons in the vein of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, the independent artist overtakes predecessors, driven by daring his daring sense of authentic modernity.

The subtle autotune doesn’t mask the raw sentiment at the heart of the track as they bleed into the wavy atmosphere of you don’t excite me. Instead, the vocal treatment breeds a succinct synergy, amplifying the seamlessness of the progressions that will linger with you long after the outro.

The production layers lush textures that invite listeners into the catharsis of the release, showcasing FRNZY’s knack for balancing emotional depth with cutting-edge soundscapes. The track is the perfect introduction to the artist, who is clearly destined to shape the future contours of RnB.

FRNZY released you don’t excite me on November 15; stream the single on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Unveiled Desires: Kaye Fox and the Candid Rhythms of ‘WWYD’

Posted on 20 November 2024

Kaye Fox, long recognised as the clandestine force behind chart-topping hits for icons like J. Cole and Kanye West, finally commands the spotlight with her single, ‘WWYD’

Fox transformed the R&B scene by turning personal revelation into an art form. By questioning, “What would you do if you knew I was wide open?”, she stripped the facades commonly held in the theatres of affection, where desire can distort through candour when you refuse to keep your cards close to your chest.

The soul-stirring anxious rumination unfurls against a backdrop of 90s R&B nostalgia and contemporary soul as Fox’s vocals allow her lyrics to flourish with vulnerability and strength, merging the haunting magnetism of Lauryn Hill and the emotional gravity of Mary J. Blige. The smooth, underlying beat complements her intricate vocal phrasing, drawing listeners deeper into the narrative.

This single holds a mirror to the disarray of today’s dating culture while acting as a kaleidoscope of her own talent in connecting with listeners with intimate universal truth.

After WWYD, it’s clear that no RnB radar will be complete without Fox’s name. Stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aneyrah – Marmalade: A Sticky-Sweet Slice of RnB Pop Seduction

Posted on 29 October 2024

‘Marmalade’ by Australian artist Aneyrah is a scintillating blend of 90s RnB pop nostalgia and disco grooves, offering a sensuously provocative record that shimmers with an arcane aura.

As the earworm progresses,  Aneyrah’s soulfully indomitable vocals are wrapped around a solid rhythmic pulse that magnetises the senses with every beat. Given the sharpness of the irresistible pop hooks in Marmalade, it wouldn’t be surprising if Aneyrah shared a lineage with Kylie and Dannii Minogue.

Lyrically, the single explores the complexities of relationships that precariously hang in a passionately tormentative grey area; each verse is an ethereally fiery declaration of a heart navigating its way through ambiguous romantic territory.

With her ability to fully command a sticky-sweet melody, every glittering note counts in this lyrical confession of love and longing. We can’t wait to hear what follows from the iconic conduit of soul; she’s the full RnB pop package.

Marmalade hit the airwaves on October 1st; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dana cast a luminous ‘Shadow’ with his RnB Electro Pop hit

Posted on 3 September 2024

Sensuality surges through the latest single, Shadow, from the icon of salaciously hot RnB pop, Dana. With electronic beats that push danceable rhythms through the earworm, the up-and-coming singer-songwriter revamped RnB while never losing grip of the genre’s roots. If George Michael hits your spot, prepare for Shadow to leave a bruise as it collides with the rhythmic pulses and prises open the soul through seraphically light vocal lines.

With swathes of scintillating production touches, especially as the track veers towards the outro which will leave you desperate to hear more from the independent icon in the making, Dana’s determination to make an authentic mark on the airwaves with his inspirational hits becomes irresolutely clear.

The artist’s discography fearlessly explores unchartered emotional territory. With this single, he reflected on what it means to be intuitively in sync with the person you love and words not being necessary for understanding. Never one to paint with unrealistic expectations, Dana consistently iterates that it’s commitment which matters the most, not upholding damaging ideals of never needing to take the rough with the smooth.

Shadow was officially released on August 23rd; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Addenium synthesised the intimate heat of ‘Summer Nights’ in her futuristically finessed debut single ft Rowa

Posted on 12 August 2024

Addenium has officially arrived with her debut single, Summer Nights, created in collaboration with Rowa, to prove how far you can push the boundaries of RnB while never losing grip of its soul essence.

The vibe-heavy indietronica edge oscillates through the influence of icons in the vein of Flume, FKJ, and Masego. Yet, Addenium conjured a sonic vision that could only have been rendered by her tender volition.

This track invites you to experience the heat and intimacy of its thematic nature, perfectly accentuated by hints of stylishly executed indie elements. The expressively artistic motifs gave Addenium a significant advantage as she charts her career to the top of the charts as a curator of vibes and an innovator of sound. The trip-hop textures within the release amplify the mysticism, while the seraphic vocal layers ensure that soul envelops the track, casting an addictively scintillating aura.

Lyrically, the song reflects on the finite nature of summer situationships, yet the release pulsates with an enlightened undercurrent, which alludes to the sanctity of knowing there is always something greater to gravitate around, as it ripples through the polished production.

Summer Nights was officially released on August 2nd; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Audric Pinder revived RnB’s golden era with ‘The Moment I Laid Eyes on You’

Posted on 5 August 2024

Audric Pinder’s latest single, ‘The Moment I Laid Eyes on You,’ is a veritable aural rapture for RnB fans weary of the genre’s modern iterations that often assimilate and echo the vibes of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd. Pinder separates himself from the crowd with his distinct blend of honeyed harmonies and diehard romanticism. His production chops shine as he infuses salacious soul into every beat while ensuring the purity of his sound remains undiluted.

The track is a euphonic meditation on love’s ability to elevate us above the mundane material world. It offers a refreshing escape into the arms of romance, where every harmony is an avenue of affection to explore. The backing vocals perfectly complement the main lines, amplifying the arcane energy of the single, which embodies the deep reverie of falling irresistibly in love.

Instrumentally, ‘The Moment I Laid Eyes on You’ is a respectful nod to the soul-stirring rhythms of the 80s and 90s RnB, a period revered for its rich, emotive layers while Pinder’s vocal arrangements offer innovation for anyone craving originality in their RnB repertoire.

The Moment I Laid Eyes on You is now available to stream on all major platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ethan Martin created an open line of communication with passion in his latest dreamy RnB single, Okay, Love

Posted on 26 January 2024

Ethan Martin’s latest single, ‘Okay, Love’, is a soulfully realistic exploration of love’s complexities. This Las Vegas-based R&B artist, reminiscent of Daniel Caesar and Frank Ocean, delved into the intricate emotions of love, fear, and vulnerability in a way that deeply resonates.

The track is a masterful blend of soothing vocals and stirringly ethereal instrumentals, showcasing Martin’s skill in self-producing, mixing, and mastering his work. His unique style draws you into a world where love’s idyllic image is gently unravelled to reveal its more profound, often challenging reality.

‘Okay, Love’ navigates the nuanced terrains of the heart with a rare authenticity. The bassline pulsates through the song, setting a rhythm that complements the dual vocals. These elements together create a dynamic soundscape that reflects the song’s thematic exploration of love’s dual nature – its joys and fears, its light and shadows.

Martin’s lyrical ability is a highlight of the track as he speaks to those who feel the scars of previous relationships, are haunted by their anxious attachments, or simply feel the dread of loss when falling into the arms of another.

As Ethan Martin continues to attract a dedicated fanbase, ‘Okay, Love’ stands as a powerful example of his artistry. For those yet to discover his music, ‘Okay, Love’ is the perfect introduction to Ethan Martin’s world – a world where the soul’s deepest echoes are beautifully brought to life.

Okay, Love will drop on January 26. Stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J. Jeaux wore his heart on his polyphonic sleeve in his alt-RnB single, Overflow

Posted on 10 December 2023

J. Jeaux’s sophomore single Overflow exhibits his unique approach to music, combining lo-fi RnB elements with touches of pop, blues, and funk, creating a sound that is both innovative and nostalgically resonant.

The track’s gravitational pull is undeniable, drawing listeners into a world of eclecticism. The polyphonic synth lines are a highlight, weaving a complex yet harmonious tapestry of sound that feels timelessly modern. This, coupled with minimalist percussion, sets a backdrop that allows J. Jeaux’s vocal talents to shine. The vocal effects are far from typical, adding an intriguing layer to the track and solidifying his distinct style.

J. Jeaux’s ability to channel his emotions into his music is evident. The song discusses the turmoil of overthinking during heartbreak against an energetic backdrop. This juxtaposition is not just a creative choice; it’s a representation of healing, layering sadness with boogie vibes to create a therapeutic musical experience.

As a multi-instrumentalist and composer, J. Jeaux’s expertise extends beyond traditional singer-songwriter boundaries. His experience in composing for video games and media adds a unique dimension to his music that you will want to get lost in time after time.

This track is a clear indication of his potential to leave a lasting impact on the music industry, especially for those who appreciate the blending of traditional soulful rhythms with innovative experimental sounds.

Overflow poured onto the airwaves on November 24. Stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast