Browsing Tag

RnB Singer Songwriter

Jaonere – See Me: A Soulfully Disquet Journey Through the Labyrinth of Love

Posted on 7 January 2024

Imagine a horror score meeting a serene naturescape; this is the backdrop Jaonere uses to invite his listeners into his latest experimentally elevated and candour-driven release, See Me. The track walks you through the corridors of a relationship that has morphed from harmonious to discordant, echoing the unpredictable nature of love after opening with a fusion of elements that may seem at odds, but euphonically coalesce to create a unique auditory experience.

While blending soulful melodiousness with haunting effects, the London-based alt-RnB sensation boldly explored the complex dynamics of love via his rich and emotive vocals which lay bare the soul of the song. The lyrics are a candid reflection of a love turned sour, a scathing yet honest portrayal of the pain and scars left behind.

The track is underpinned by a rhythm that brings in just enough funk and groove to set a sultry mood. It’s this blend of smooth grooves and poignant lyrics that makes See Me a standout track. Jaonere’s ability to infuse his music with a devil-may-care honesty while keeping it melodically appealing is a testament to his artistry.

From his early days performing covers in Central London to his introspective and soulful releases like Dotted Line and Pray, Jaonere has consistently evolved as an artist. See Me is a continuation of this journey, showcasing his growth and depth as a songwriter and performer.

Stream See Me on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Abeni embarked on a soulful journey between past and present with her seminal single, Better Days

Posted on 19 December 2023

Abeni tapped into the collective distaste for the present through the heartfelt expression in her single, Better Days, from the debut EP, Lesson Learned. The track is a poignant narrative that encapsulates the essence of nostalgia, introspection, and the deeply human tendency to yearn for days gone by.

Abeni, whose journey from a shy, music-averse child to a multifaceted artist, infuses Better Days with a depth that is both personal and universally relatable. The song is a lament on the present, a reflection of fear towards an uncertain future, and a longing to recapture the bliss of the past.

Sonically, Better Days is a masterful blend of genres. Abeni’s background, spanning from classical to jazz and pop, is evident in the way she weaves these influences into a soulful tapestry. The track is underpinned by grooves reminiscent of 90s R&B, yet it feels utterly contemporary. Her voice, rich and emotive, acts as a guiding light through the layers of sound, ensuring that the listener feels every ounce of the song’s emotional weight.

The song traverses the personal and the universal, touching on the collective desire to find solace in the past as we navigate an often-tumultuous present. It’s a testament to her skill as a songwriter and her sensitivity as an artist.

Abeni Mason-Draffen is not just a singer; she’s a storyteller, and her stories need to be heard. As she continues on her musical journey, one thing is certain: the future is bright for this talented artist.

Stream Abeni’s debut EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nikki Hayes proves the power of vulnerability in her sensually captivating RnB evolution, SAFE

Posted on 17 December 2023

Nikki Hayes‘ latest RnB single, SAFE, showcases her unique ability to blend soulful vocals with a rich, resonant soundscape. It’s an aural revelation that resonates deeply with the listener, cutting to the core of the emotions it explores.

From the outset, SAFE captivates with its dreamy yet potent composition. The basslines, infused with a rich funk, provide a robust foundation that complements the ethereal quality of the track. This fusion of dreaminess with funk creates a soundscape that is both soothing and invigorating. The addition of blues-infused guitars adds another layer to the song, enhancing its emotional depth and complexity.

Hayes’ vocal performance is nothing short of enchanting. Her voice, both powerful and delicate, conveys a paradoxically beguiling sense of vulnerability and strength. The lyrics, which speak of finding safety in the arms of another in a chaotic world, are delivered with a sensuality and sincerity that is truly captivating.

Drawing inspiration from legends like Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, and Toni Braxton, Hayes has carved out a distinct sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Her journey from the basements of Chicago to collaborating with Grammy-winning artists is evident in the polished quality of SAFE. The track stands as a testament to her fearless work ethic, vocal finesse, and unwavering passion for music.

As she continues to evolve and captivate audiences with her unique sound, Nikki Hayes is undoubtedly an artist to watch.

SAFE was officially released on November 29. Stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Issara can make any house a ‘Home’ with the soul in her latest single

Posted on 3 December 2023

With all the grace and beguile of a chanteuse fused with a retro soul aesthetic, the up-and-coming singer-songwriter Issara can make any house a ‘Home’ with her latest single, which offers a sanctuary of sound for anyone in search of solace.

By lyrically painting a protagonist who tends to the universal yet unseen needs that we all silently crave, Issara burned bright in the consoling warmth of the vignette of unconditional affection, which spins a narrative with threads of deep-rooted connection and understanding.

Home is a homage to the concept that home transcends physical spaces, echoing Issara’s journey across continents, and encapsulating the essence that home is indeed where the heart resides.

The production is steeped in a lush retro aesthetic, where the luminous timbres of the organ interlace with Issara’s vocals to create an ambience that is both comforting and soul-stirring. The hues of gospel spilling from the arrangement are a nod to her American church roots, bringing forth a nostalgic yet timeless quality that grips the listener’s soul. This track is not just heard; it’s felt, ensuring that by the outro, one’s soul is thoroughly sated.

With an ability to blend soul, pop, rock, gospel, French yéyé, and Thai funk, Issara has created a sound that is as diverse as her heritage. The song is a promise of what is to come from her upcoming debut album ‘222’, set for release on the befitting date of February 22, 2024.

As a mother of two and a beacon for late bloomers in the arts, Issara’s voice transcends mere melody to become a vessel of inspiration, encouraging others to find their place of belonging, their ‘home’, in whatever form it may take.

Home was officially released on November 17; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nyasia Chane’l narrated a story of love and longing in her latest Neo-Hip-Hop-Soul release, Rain

Posted on 20 November 2023
Nyasia Chane'l

“Rain” by Nyasia Chane’l transcends your archetypal RnB track to narrate a profound lesson in seduction and soul. The trappy backbeat and tinges of 80s nostalgia create a beguiling blend of modern rhythmics and caressive old-school style as Chane’l’s honeyed vocal lines glide over the equally as smooth instrumental layers with a grace which is as powerful as it is tender to embody the track’s theme of deep, yearning lust.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of SWV, Ashanti, and New Edition, Nyasia has created a song that stands tall among classic elemental love songs. Co-written with the talents of Dajour Neufville and Jayson “J-Didda” Butler, “Rain” captures the essence of longing and connection in a way that feels both timeless and irresistibly new. It is guaranteed to strike a chord with anyone with a pulse and libido.

Nyasia Chane’l, with her multifaceted talents in singing, songwriting, and acting, emerges as an essential artist in today’s musical landscape. Her Neo-Hip-Hop Soul signature is one that any RnB fans will want perpetually etched in their memory.

Listen to Rain on Tidal and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Janockeil transcended with his standout RnB single, Heaven for Two

Posted on 13 September 2023

In the standout single, Heaven for Two, from Janockeil’s debut RnB LP, Wait for the Day, the intricately upraising instrumentation is stripped right back, enabling the singer, songwriter, and musician to lead his listeners to transcendence through his luxe with ethereal soul vocal lines.

His high vocal register effortlessly compliments the timbre of the indie RnB instrumental arrangement, featuring swooningly guitar work, shimmering organs, and steady percussion which beats sensuality into the soundscape that wraps around the roots of the RnB genre.

The Charleston-born, Newark-based artist found his voice by singing gospel in church before evolving into an originator within the realm of RnB, pop, and soul. His debut LP is a testament to how honed his sound has come; the catchy melodies and lyricism, which are never shy on the topics of love, intimacy, and self-examination, hit the spot in the same cathartic way as an elixir alchemised to stir your soul and lead it on a transformative journey.

Stream the Wait for the Day LP in full via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Emissary of Impassioned Nostalgia, Donnell Isaac Has Come Through with His Latest RnB Single, Through Love

Posted on 13 September 2023

If your 80s & 90s RnB playlists need a fresh kick of soul, the latest single, Through Love, from the emissary of impassioned nostalgia, Donnell Isaac, will deliver a potent shot of sweet sensuality.

The Portsmouth, Virginia-hailing singer-songwriter and composer allowed RnB fans to delve far deeper than Frank Ocean hits with the staunchly traditionalist track that reaches the epitome of cinematic soul.

Through Love, which explores the all-consuming gratitude love evokes, pays an ode to the celestial capacity of true love; in an era of superficial connection, the single is a testament to the rewards for romantic vulnerability. Between his Gospel-grown vocal lines and the arresting electric guitar solo towards the outro, Through Love efficaciously leaves the senses alight.

Through Love dropped on September 8th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Specyal T pioneered nostalgia for her boundary-breaking boom-bap RnB pop track, Double Take

Posted on 6 September 2023

Canada’s hottest RnB artist, Specyal T, brought enough heat in her LP, Foresight, to start an inferno. The standout single, Double Take, runs through with funk-laced retro synths to carve the grooves and boom-bap beats to deliver rhythms that will intoxicate your rhythmic pulses.

With the fiery old school rap bars in the verses and lashings of luxe soul in the harmonised vocal lines, Specyal T ensured their seminal hit was dripping in dynamism to accentuate the pioneered and manicured nostalgia.

The Caribbean-Canadian artist splits her talents between her vocations as a pro musician, actor and executive; her multi-award-winning tracks have featured on several popular TV channels, and her hits have been heard on commercial radio stations across Europe and North America. After working its way into her boundary-pushing LP, Double Take will also feature in the soundtrack to the 2023 film Alarmed. 

Stream the Album Version of Double Take for yourselves by heading over to Soundcloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ericalisa created a vignette of pure passion for her latest single, For the Moment

Posted on 30 August 2023

The San Francisco Bay Area got even hotter when the DZN Records-signed RnB trailblazer, Ericalisa, dropped her sensuously stylised single, For the Moment.

Since 2015, Ericalisa has been creating a new trajectory in the evolution of soul; instead of reinventing the wheel, she found new ways to elevate the genre by caressing her downtempo melodies with her honeyed harmonies and adding moody elements to her mixes to accentuate her distinctive sonic signature.

Before stepping into a studio, the independent artist used poetry as a creative outlet, which more than shows in her lyricism; the verses flow just as smoothly as the lush reverb-soaked instrumentals around the imagery she conjures to captivate you in her vignettes of pure passion.

Stream the official music video for Ericalisa’s latest single, which premiered on August 18th via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jenn DeSantis made waves in her latest alt-RnB single, splish splash

Posted on 29 August 2023

Jenn DeSantis is quickly becoming a name the music industry cannot ignore; her ability to shift boundaries and move her unique sonic edge into unchartered territory has established the self-produced pop singer-songwriter and keyboardist as one to watch as she works her way up the Billboard charts.

Her latest single, splish splash, is the perfect introduction to her consistently melody-centric genre-melding style. While some artists only succeed in being original, DeSantis allows each of her exuberantly bold hits to unravel as a creatively exhilarating feat of ingenuity.

By constructing her latest track with elements of leftfield electronica, pop, hip-hop and RnB and allowing her dominantly demure vocal lines to become a source of gravity in the experimentalism, you’ll be pushed headfirst into a scintillatingly unfamiliar aural universe, guided by the soul emanating from the fiery vocals.

In this year alone, the independent emerging artist sang the National Anthem for Monster Jam, performed at Pittsburgh Pride, and is set to perform at the Chicago West Loop Art Fest. Get her on your radar before she’s too big for it.

splish splash rippled onto the airwaves on August 18th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast