Browsing Tag

rnb

Wagner Gracciano became the definition of emotional depth in ‘I’m Here’

Posted on 17 September 2024

Wagner Gracciano’s single, I’m Here, from his sophomore album, The History of Mark Beck, is a veritable smorgasbord of stylistic influence and innovative substance which will transport rock fans back to an era when Chris Isaak dominated the airwaves.

With soul-drenched production, sensual RnB touches weave through a tight mesh of rock guitar lines, classic pop harmonies, and the shimmer of organ keys, creating a unique gospel of pop rock. As diverse as the track is, the seamless cohesion pulls everything together in a sublime display of genre fluidity.

‘I’m Here’ makes a bold statement of passion and dedication, showing that romance isn’t as dead as we perceive it to be as Gracciano exhibits his forte in transcending the confines of genre labels and creating utopias of euphonia with his songwriting. With each listen, there’s a deepened appreciation for the superlative arrangement and emotive depth that defines the track.

As a multi-talented guitarist, composer, and producer, Wagner Gracciano has spent over 25 years mastering his craft across genres such as progressive rock, blues rock, jazz, fusion, RnB, and heavy metal. The History of Mark Beck (2024) showcases his affectingly immersive lyricism and Grammy-worthy compositions, with guest appearances from Cleveland P. Jones, Carlos Zema, and Rachael Da Silva. Supported by world-class musicians such as Charles Judge, Michael Webb, and Adair Daufembach’s pristine production, Wagner’s vision is undeniably realised.

I’m Here is now available to stream with Wagner Gracciano’s sophomore LP, The History of Mark Beck on Spotify and all major platforms.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

From Berlin with Flavour: WRY’s ‘Sweet n Salty’ Mixes Up Alt-RnB

Posted on 15 September 2024

The Berlin-based artist WRY doesn’t just fit into the contemporary alt-RnB dynamic, she has reached the zenith of it with her debut EP, Sweet n Salty, which she has been gearing up towards since she hit the airwaves running with her first single, Anywhere, in 2021.

The title track drenches the senses in the sublimity of the downtempo soul which harnesses the quintessence of RnB while pushing the genre forward through rhythmically eloquent innovation. The reverb-drenched melodies seamlessly float above perfectly syncopated beats which mimic the rapid thumping of a heartfelt emotion, crafting an atmosphere thick with anticipation and serenity.

WRY’s vocal delivery is a fiery cascade, yet it possesses a sensuous lightness that whispers secrets only the most attentive listeners will discern. With influences from iconic figures like Amy Winehouse, Banks, and Charlotte Cardin, WRY constructed a solid foundation of inspiration to construct her own authentic aural aura.

Each track in her growing discography is a shift away from the predictable, and Sweet n Salty is no exception. The emotional discourse, articulated through a minimalist yet powerful arrangement solidifies WRY’s position as one of the most promising names in the Berlin alt-RnB scene.

Stream the Sweet n Salty EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Heal your ‘Heavy Heart’ with Kay Soul’s instant RnB classic

Posted on 10 September 2024

Hot on the heels of her seminal EP, Heavy Love, the Chicago-raised RnB singer-songwriter, Kay Soul lived up to her moniker once again with the unveiling of her latest single, Heavy Heart, which exhibits her peerless ability to fuse soul-stirring evocations with classic RnB elements.

With a wistful sigh as the first note, Kay Soul set the tone for an aching emotional journey before the melodies swiftly take hold and cradle the harmonies which resound with seemingly endless honeyed sustain, crafting an installation of pure catharsis for the romantically jaded.

Her lyrics weave a rich narrative of how heavy heartbreak weighs on the soul, yet leave ample space for listeners to instil their own despair before finding swathes of consolation. The instrumental arrangement, driven by reverb-laden synths and evocative piano keys, works in synergy with the vocal lines to testify to the healing power of music as the breakthrough artist radiates nothing but pure love and profound connection.

Recognised widely for her artistry, including accolades for her gospel performances and significant album releases, Kay Soul continues to leave a lasting impression on the music industry. Be a part of her legacy and hit play.

Heavy Heart was officially released on August 23rd; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get high with the Dancehall rhythms in Yugí’s RnB release, CHEMSEX

Posted on 10 September 2024

Stan Smith, known artistically as Yugí, intoxicated through his fluid fusion of RnB, Dancehall, and trap in his latest single CHEMSEX. The Melbourne-based, French-English artist weaved his cross-continental influences into the track that locks you into its groove and gets you in the mood. Yugí’s unique sonic identity in CHEMSEX is imbued with the salacious magnetism you would expect from a track so provocatively named; it’s a red-hot escapade into the sensory depths of Dancehall.

At just 25 years old, Yugí, who began his musical journey in Le Chesnay, France, has evolved from a casual experimentationist into a defining voice within the modern music landscape. CHEMSEX encapsulates Yugí’s daringness to defy and his ability to synthesise a sound unmistakably his own. This track is not merely a nod to influential giants like The Weeknd; it’s a bold statement of individuality and artistic sovereignty.

Yugí’s artistic palette is broad, drawing inspiration from a spectrum of genres and icons—from the emotive power of Billie Eilish to the raw intensity of XXXTentacion. Yet, with CHEMSEX, he firmly establishes himself not just as a follower of trends but as a pioneer of modern soul with infectious rhythms to literally and metaphorically move his audience.

CHEMSEX was officially released on August 23rd and is now available to stream on Spotify and Soundcloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Trevon Lorenz – 7 Cities: A New Vanguard in RnB

Posted on 7 September 2024
Trevon Lorenz

Trevon Lorenz’s latest single, 7 Cities, revolutionises the RnB and hip-hop intersection with its sophisticated synthesis of soulful melodies and sharp hip-hop beats.

As the track unfolds, Lorenz lays down a dreamy, reverb-heavy soundscape that swells with lush, airy harmonies, showcasing his capability to blend genres with authority. It’s more than a stellar track, it’s a sign we’re arriving at a new epoch of genre fusion where the intensity of hip-hop can live harmoniously with the smooth soul of modern RnB.

7 Cities defies expectations within its brief runtime, especially with a middle eight that introduces an innovative twist, demonstrating Lorenz’s creative acumen. The track concludes with a flair of semi-lucid innovation, reminiscent of a distorted tape winding down, leaving listeners in a reflective trance.

Inspired by a diverse range of icons, from the fashion genius of Virgil Abloh and Yohji Yamamoto to musical pioneers like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, Lorenz’s music is a testament to his dedication to pushing sonic boundaries.

7 Cities will hit the airwaves on September 27; pre-save the single on Spotify & Apple Music via this link.

Follow Trevon Lorenz on Instagram to stay up to date with future releases.

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

Alisma-Rei anthemised the cycle of connection and detachment in her dance track, While We’re Ahead

Posted on 30 August 2024

The emerging independent artist, producer, and mixing and mastering engineer, Alisma-Rei, has added to her repertoire of infectious dance anthems after unveiling her latest euphoric floor-filler, While We’re Ahead, which strikes all the right rhythmically kinetic chords.

While We’re Ahead infuses the soul of RnB and the introspection of singer-songwriters into the dance track which delivers an affecting vignette of the reality of fragile relationships heading toward their inevitable end.

The thematic depth is matched by an intricate production style, where subversive syncopated time signatures create a sonic landscape full of unexpected twists and turns. The rhythm, with its mercurial momentum, ensnares listeners, reflecting the track’s core message through its unpredictable beats.

The impassioned delivery of the fiery RnB vocals leaves no doubt that the track served as a canvas for cathartic expression for Alisma-Rei. The single unspokenly invites listeners to lose themselves in the rhythm, find solace on the dancefloor, and perhaps heal a little in the process.

While We’re Ahead dropped on August 8th; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Embracing Diversity: Tora Woloshin Celebrates Togetherness in ‘Unity

Posted on 27 August 2024
Tora Woloshin

No one will divide and conquer in Tora Woloshin’s name after the soulstress released her exotically melodic melting pot of sonic culture ‘Unity’. The fusion of afrobeat rhythms, Latino flair, pop hooks and fiery-with-soul RnB harmonies unravels as a sensuously fresh exposition of how sweet it is to live and love when you look at the world through a lens of pure acceptance and understanding.

With “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change” worked into the fuel-for-the-soul lyrics, the LA-born, Arizona-raised artist gave her listeners a steadfast compass for any time they feel lost amidst the chaos of our ever-divisive world.

With Unity, Tora Woloshin not only became an embodiment of harmoniousness; she proved her mettle as one of the most inspiring voices on the airwaves with a single which is a culmination of her worldly experience, which may have been pierced by painful traumatic experiences, but she’s living and breathing proof that triumphing and thriving over adversity is always possible.

After cutting her teeth at the age of 15 in her first band, an audition on American Idol and X Factor showed the world what she was made of; she may not have gone all the way in the competition, but she was a certifiable success, evidenced by her sold-out album release show shortly after filming, interest in major labels, collaborative work with Jim Jones and Timbaland, and opening for Flo Rida, Pink, and Method Man.

Unity will be available to stream on all major platforms on August 27 via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Co Co Jones brought the funk in her boom bap RnB hit, OutSide

Posted on 25 August 2024

With her latest release, OutSide, the icon in the making, Co Co Jones, cemented her position as a definitive firebrand in the contemporary RnB scene.

The track begins with a burst of funk, led by bass rolls that set the stage for what is soon to become an irresistible summer anthem. As the hit progresses, the fiery grooves pull you into a synthesis of boom-bap hip-hop, funk, and RnB, allowing Co Co Jones to blaze across unchartered ground. It’s a track you won’t dare to listen to half-heartedly; the message to live in the moment and embrace the heat of the season is one that will stick you long after the outro.

Jones has always been a pure conduit of innovation, and OutSide is no exception. The single ignites an explosion of emotion and authentic experimentation that is undeniably infectious, further showcasing Jones’ ability to meld edgy grit with swathes of feel-good soul.

By drawing from a deep well of talent that spans singing, songwriting, lyricism, and poetry, Co Co Jones is a one-of-a-kind entity in the industry, destined for infamy.  Since releasing her first full project, SuperSoulSista, in 2006, Co Co Jones has consistently proven herself as an unreckonable force. From the radio hit Anticipating to her last project, Love, Jones, she has demonstrated versatile skill that few can rival.

Whether on stage or in the studio, Jones commands attention with her soulful presence and ability to lyrically ensnare; traits that have earned her the privilege of collaborating on multiple projects and gracing numerous platforms, including television, film, radio, and live performances.

OutSide was officially released on August 2nd; 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