Browsing Tag

RnB Singer Songwriter

Celestial Serenade: Anaia Lachelle’s ‘This Time’ Weaves RnB Nostalgia with Emotional Clarity

Posted on 28 April 2024

The anticipation for the RnB singer-songwriter Anaia Lachelle’s sophomore LP, Lay It Out, continues to intensify, especially after the release of her latest single, This Time. The 23-year-old Western Michigan University graduate has been honing her craft since the age of 16; in 2024, the evocative command of her pitch-perfect harmonies attests that there are few facets of her artistry left to polish.

The way her celestially crystalline harmonies glisten in the transcendent tones of her latest single, which finds the middle ground between 90s and 00s RnB, ensures that This Time doesn’t just act as a narration of her vulnerable emotion, it becomes a scintillating embodiment of it. Once you hit play on the single, you will fail to discern where your emotions end and the sublime succinct alchemy within This Time starts.

Every chapter of the tenderly tentative love story increases the yearning to turn the next page, allowing the single to offer a deeply gratifying listening experience as the progressions just get smoother and sweeter.

This Time hit the airwaves on April 12; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ELZON earned a place in the RnB pantheon with his organically experimental playlist staple, Is He Home

Posted on 27 April 2024

After an extended intro of tripped-out Latin guitars, the standout single, Is He Home, from ELZON’s debut EP, C U SOON, kicks right into the early 2000s-inspired alt-RnB grooves to pull you under the wavy melodies that don’t ask for permission before crashing into your soul.

The London-based rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer’s talent in crafting immersive soundscapes is only one facet of his talent; his ability to tune into experimentalism with organically rich panache is another. Vocally, there are few artists with as much honey in their harmonies; with his seminal single, Is He Home, the originator earned a place in the pantheon of songwriters alongside the Weeknd, Justin Timberlake and the King of Pop himself. As for the colour in his melodies, you couldn’t ask for a more hypnotic kaleidoscope to sonically gaze into.

Before making his debut, ELZON cut his teeth in the industry by penning songs for other artists, working alongside the likes of the Grammy-nominated producer Ammar Junedi and the underground luminary CASSO. After the launch of his critically acclaimed EP, ELZON graced several editorial playlists including New Music Friday UK, Channel X, and Mood; the RnB crooner is clearly on the rise, join him on his ascent by sinking into Is He Home, which is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Manchester soul sensation, Tsana lit the ignition of self-liberation with her single, All of Me

Posted on 16 April 2024

With her standout single, All of Me, Manchester’s Tsana, rewrote the time-old tale of giving your all in a relationship and receiving only regret in return and reached the epitome of class in the process. Even though emotions run red-hot in the deep groove pockets of the authentic RnB installation, there’s no room for self-pity in the ignition of self-liberation, which feeds into her signature ‘street-soul’ style.

Knowing it is all too easy to slip into a cascade of self-doubt when someone refuses to affirm your worth, Tsana became the ultimate role model for anyone who knows how bittersweet to come away from a relationship scathed by unappreciation.

The Manchester-based soulstress, riding high in her ‘grown woman era’ following a hiatus which saw her bring new life into the world, was a firebrand before her break from the studio and stages, with her latest EP, Lovehood, she’s not just in her element, she’s setting the UK soul scene alight with her cognizant cultivated aura. By finding the ultimate equilibrium between confident sophistication and hell-hath-no-fury unreckonable energy, she’s the best Manchester has to offer in 2024.

All of Me is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

‘Drift’ into euphony with Drew Dean’s Latest RnB Soul Serenade

Posted on 14 April 2024

Drew Dean’s latest single ‘Drift‘ tranquilly unravels as a celestial blend of soulful rhythms and ethereal melodies which pays homage to the 90s R&B aesthetic while boldly stepping into the future of the genre. Hailing from the vibrant shores of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dean’s journey in music, marked by a nomadic childhood and a rich West Indian heritage, culminates in this mesmerising track, which invites you to get lost in a lush tapestry of innovation.

Dean’s voice presents a paradox through the light luminescence of the register and the profound emotional depth it carries through the layers of R&B, Neo-Soul, Pop, and a hint of trappy hip-hop beats. Hit play and float in a dream-like state, unbound by the gravity of mundane reality.

The single’s cinematic quality makes it worthy of any Hollywood love story soundtrack, yet it retains an intimacy that feels like a love letter that anyone would want to muse. The testament to love’s divine nature and Dean’s execution is nothing short of angelic.

Dean’s influences, ranging from The Fugees to D’Angelo, resonate in his eclectic style, aptly termed ‘Eclectic Soul’. His background in church choirs and various international influences have clearly shaped his ability to create music that not only entertains but also touches the soul.

With ‘Drift’, Drew Dean solidifies his place in the evolving world of R&B, not just as a singer but as a visionary.

Stream the official music video for Drift, which premiered on March 22, on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

GeeMarr ignited a carnal flame with his exotically expansive RnB hit, Fire & Desire

Posted on 8 April 2024

GeeMarr, the UK’s RnB firebrand, ignited the genre with his latest single ‘Fire & Desire‘. The stylistic fusion of RnB, afrobeat, pop, and soul elements showcases GeeMarr’s versatility and creativity when blending diverse musical influences.

The intro of ‘Fire & Desire’ is a nostalgic nod to the 80s era of RnB, setting the stage for a contemporary twist that GeeMarr executes flawlessly. The track pulsates with modern cuts, seamlessly integrating autotuned reggaeton-esque vocal lines with sun-pierced melodies. The sax lines spill soul by the smorgasbord, weaving through the song and adding a rich, emotive layer to the already vibrant soundscape.

GeeMarr’s lyrics in ‘Fire & Desire’ resonate like mantras, creating a heady sonic haven that you’ll want to occupy all summer and ensuring that the midtempo vignette captures the sweetness of finding someone who evokes feelings of both love and lust. Even if you’re riding solo, you’ll get a taste of how sweet adding fuel to your carnal fire is.

Born in Jamaica and raised in South London, GeeMarr’s global influences are evident in his music. His repertoire spans Afrobeats, R&B, and Soul, and ‘Fire & Desire’ is a culmination of his artistic evolution. After a 5-year hiatus and a series of captivating freestyles on social media, GeeMarr is not just making a comeback; he’s redefining his sound.

GeeMarr’s involvement in every stage of his music, from writing and producing to mixing and mastering, ensures that his sonic signature blazes through ‘Fire & Desire’. This track is a must-listen for fans of RnB and anyone looking for a summer anthem that combines the best of global beats with the soulful depth of RnB.

Stream the official music video for Fire & Desire which dropped on March 28th on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Harmonising Art and Ambition: Deshon Washington’s Exclusive Interview with A&R Factory

Posted on 7 April 2024

In an intimate sit-down with A&R Factory, Deshon Washington, the soulful voice behind the upcoming single ‘Work of Art’, shares the essence of his growing musical legacy. As he recounts his start in the music industry, from karaoke bars in Conway, Arkansas, to the global stage of Carnival Cruise Lines, Washington’s narrative is a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision. His experiences, including a pivotal appearance on Netflix’s ‘Sing On!’, have shaped his unique sonic signature, turning challenges into stepping stones towards greater heights.

This interview is a deep dive into the heart of an artist who sees rejection as a catalyst for reinvention, and who dreams of one day conquering Madison Square Garden. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of a life dedicated to music, and the ambitious journey of a voice that refuses to be confined by the sea.

Thank you for the opportunity to sit down with you ahead of the release of your next single, Work of Art, what’s the story behind the single?

 “The story behind this single is that I could always look at a painting or any piece of art and seem infatuated by it, but one day I saw a woman who surpassed everything from my past, and it seemed the future, that I ever seen. I knew that the only way I could explain it was through song.”

How do the instrumentals in your upcoming single complement the emotional themes?

The single gives a very free and funky vibe. The song is filled with love and happiness (shout out to Al Green, an inspiration to me).

How and when did you start cutting your teeth in the music industry?

I started in 2018 when I released my first single “Little Time”. I was singing karaoke for 2 years prior in a bar called Kings Live Music, in Conway, Arkansas. I tried to find my voice and my own style before putting my own thoughts and visions into the public eye. Ever since then I’ve been growing and learning more about myself and the music industry. I still have a lot to learn, and I want to make it bigger than I’ve ever imagined.

How have your experiences in the music industry shaped your sonic signature?

A lot of people will see rejection as a sign of failure and let their vision dim. But I have seen it as the torch that lights my way to a brighter future. My experience in the industry hasn’t been all amazing, but the parts that have been, have completely overshadowed the bad parts. I have seen myself in a bigger venue than I already have been and only see myself getting bigger. Getting told no, and being rejected has made me redefine myself and mold myself into a better artist today than I was yesterday.

Your Netflix debut seems to have been a pivotal moment in your career; how did you land a spot on ‘Sing On!’, and what other doors did this opportunity open?

I landed it after competing in the KWC, Karaoke World Championships in Las Vegas in 2019. I made it on the National tryouts after making it past state, and once I made it, I got contacted by a casting director about trying out for a new singing show that would be on Netflix. It has opened a few doors for me, not as much as I thought, but I know the cause of why it hasn’t. I had to get out of my comfort zone, that being my home town, to see what other doors were out there for me to open. One of those doors was Carnival. I’ve had more success and growth in Carnival in the span of 2 years than I’ve ever done at home.

Can you give us an insight into the highs and lows of working as a singer for Carnival Cruise Lines?

The highs of being a singer on Carnival are the consistent work, the opportunity to sing songs outside of your comfort zone and to be able to expand on your artistic abilities. Being around so many different nationalities has its amazing parts as well. You grow as a person on the outside and inside, getting to know and understand the other nations. The lows are mostly being away from home and missing family and friends. It can take a huge toll on you, especially when a family emergency happens, and you can’t get home.

What is it like to release music at sea?

It can be very daunting. It’s a difficult step to get through because of internet issues on the ship and not always being in the same time frame as your producer/engineer. But it has its own rewards as well, because once you release it, you have thousands of people that you can promote your song to, every cruise.

Where do you see your talent taking you next?

My main goal is to sell out Madison Square Garden one day.  I feel like I am in the beginning years of the new and final me. Like I have found myself, my sound, my style, and I’m ready to take it to the world and take it over.

Thank you for your time!

–

Stream Deshon Washington on Spotify, discover more about the artist on his official website and follow him via Instagram and Facebook.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Slip into the sheets of euphoria with Deshon Washington’s RnB hit, Stay the Night

Posted on 30 March 2024
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vR-XrlMrCA4&si=gZSTSk2_PROKWy_y

Take the time to slip away from the Weeknd and into the superlative RnB pop solace and soul which resounds in Deshon Washington’s standout single, Stay the Night. With one of the seamlessly smooth crescendos on the airwaves, the single erupts into a burst of affection-derived euphoria as the backbeat bolsters and the passion spilling from Washington’s vocal lines intensifies.

By building up from a tenderly caressive start and allowing the soundscape, which intertwines 80s, 90s, and contemporary RnB aesthetics, to ensue into a cascade of ardour, Stay the Night becomes so much more than a proclamation of passion from the Arkansas singer-songwriter. You almost get a first-hand experience of hitting the sheets with one of the most seductive artists on the scene when you hit play.

After cutting his teeth in the indie RnB scene for the past seven years, Deshon Washington’s time to dominate the charts is now. Following being cast on the Netflix series Sing On, earning his stripes as an international performer and a nomination for R&B Vocalist of the Year in 2023, we have no doubt that 2024 will be the year when he moves from criminally underrated to internationally acclaimed.

Stream Stay the Night on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DNA unveiled the UK RnB debut you don’t want to miss with the dualistically stylistic hit, Love or Let Go

Posted on 23 March 2024

Whether you keep hanging on to a relationship that is showing no lifelines or are too hesitant to let down your barriers, DNA’s alt-indie RnB hit, Love or Let Go, will give you all the permission you need to move forward with no inhibition.

Between the grooves of the Latin guitars and the jarringly immersive electronic aesthetic that rocks turbulence behind the solid backbeat, DNA constructed the perfect platform to sonically visualise the emotional themes of Love or Let Go and carry the weight of his hot and heavy vocal lines.

With his vocal dynamism that shifts effortlessly from Hozier-esque timbres to light pop harmonies to electronically distorted dominance, the UK-based up-and-coming talent ensured that he was more than a new entry in the UK RnB scene; he exhibited himself as an RnB heavyweight right out of the gate. We can’t wait to hear what follows.

Love or Let Go will hit all major streaming platforms on March 22; hear it on SoundCloud first.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Go down the rabbit hole with TaQuan MonChez’s ode to 80s soul, Wonderland

Posted on 20 March 2024

Start your 80s RnB love story by slipping into TaQuan MonChez’s latest single, ‘Wonderland’, which pours the essence of gospel into the heart of RnB. After honing his skills in a 20-year tenure as a church musician and a self-taught pianist, Wonderland showcases TaQuan’s journey and his ability to construct auditory embraces, capable of enveloping listeners in lush, hazy tones.

The ode to an ethereal kind of love, one that allows the material world to dissolve into insignificance, ensures this emotional theme resounds through each element – especially through his velvety magnetic vocals as they effortlessly ascend into a higher vocal register.

The guitar lines in ‘Wonderland’ are also a standout feature, dancing through the track with a pop and groove that’s infectious, intricate, and definitively 80s. These melodies underpin TaQuan’s vocal prowess, creating a layered and immersive soundscape.

Moreover, ‘Wonderland’ is a showcase of TaQuan MonChez’s exceptional songwriting ability. Each musical element is meticulously woven to create a tapestry that visually and sonically represents the sanctity of transcendent love. The song is a testament to TaQuan’s belief in music that resonates with integrity and decency.

Wonderland was officially released on February 16; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Top supermodel Alana Monteiro brought style to the airwaves with her RnB meets dream-pop hit, Miss No More

Posted on 20 March 2024

Fuse wavy indie dream pop with swathes of contemporary appeal and Lynchian sonic cinematography, bed the synthesis into RnB roots, and you will be left with a hypnotic elixir which pours as deliciously as Alana Monteiro’s single, Miss No More.

The single unravels through the juxtaposition of lyrical vulnerability and the strident reclamation of power following a disempowering relationship that turned sour. The timbres in the track may run smooth, but there’s no putting out the fire Alana Monteiro started with her velvety luxe vocal lines that harness all the rage that is left in the ashes of a relationship that will never allow you to live up to your worth.

It’s a stunning release from the multi-faceted powerhouse of talent; when Alana Monteiro isn’t in the studio, she’s making waves in the fashion industry as a top supermodel who has made her way into the ranks of the top 100 black female models and acting in Emmy-award-winning films. Miss No More is definitive proof that her beauty is more than skin deep; it oozes from her soul into the lush production.

Stream the official lyric video for Miss No More which is slick with Burn Book-esque aesthetics and premiered on March 13 on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast