Browsing Tag

rnb

Alicia Michilli revived the soul of Detroit Motown in her latest single, Full Moon

Posted on 10 November 2022

With a voice that saw her go far on America’s Got Talent, a timeless lyrical style, and a compelling spin on soul, America should be upholding the Detroit-based Alicia Michilli as a national treasure.

Her latest single, Full Moon, eases you into the smooth, smoky late-night atmosphere where perpetual love lights up the twilight. Her influence of Detroit Motown sounds is easily legible in the consoling timbre of the release that serenades you from the first vocal note. For non-believers in true love, you only need to tap into the demure soul of this caressively sincere release, which celebrates the unconditional love we all yearn for.

So far in her career, Alicia Michilli has opened for Andra Day, Nelly and her long-time hero, Keb’ Mo’, and provided background vocals for Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ during their TaiMo tour. Although, based on Full Moon, she always deserves to be on front and centre stage.

Full Moon is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jermare Harrison spills all in his synthy 80s RnB pop single, Secret to Tell

Posted on 9 November 2022

American singer-songwriter Jermare Harrison doused us in 80s soul with his divinely synthy seminal single, Secret to Tell, which flows in the same lush vein as icons Soul II Soul and Alexander O’Neal, with plenty of room for authenticity to spare.

The beckoning lyrics through his smooth RnB pop harmonies invite the listener into the intimacy of his candour while the mellow percussion and soft synth layers orchestrate a dreamy sense of catharsis. It’s a timeless classic single from the artist who made his debut in 2015 after immersing himself in the performing arts world at the age of five. We can’t wait to hear what’s next from the impassionedly talented artist.

Secret to Tell is available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview: Marshall Stain Teased What’s To Come in His Debut EP and Spoke on Creativity

Posted on 4 November 2022

Ahead of the release of his debut EP, VILLAIN YOU LOVE, A&R Factory caught up with the dynamically contemporary world music artist, Marshall Stain, to discuss inspiration, creativity and the cutting-edge releases making their way to the airwaves.

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Marshall Stain, welcome to A&R Factory! We loved your latest single, ZOMBIE; would you say you found your signature sound with this release?

“I wouldn’t necessarily say Zombie is my signature sound, to be honest, but it’s definitely inspired by the sounds I’ve been taking in, particularly Amapiano, and you kind of hear that with the use of the “log drum” on the hook.”

What is your songwriting process?

“It varies, some records start as a random melody that’s in my voice memos, and some are written according to where the instrumental takes me. I’m in between pen and no pen; it depends.”

Is there anyone else involved with the production of your music?

“Of course, mainly my engineer/producer who helps me steer the music typically in the postproduction phase to a whole new sonic direction. That is why I call every song I record an idea.”

And how would you describe your lyrical style? We’ve noticed you go dark with your song titles.

“Honest. The music will always reflect the place I was in when writing the song. So, when it’s all rainbows and sunshine, the titles will be parallel.”

Which artists had the greatest influence on you as an artist?

“A bunch, to be honest, because I used to rap, but it’s mainly been Burna boy, J Hus and Frank Ocean.”

Aside from other artists, what inspires you to write music?

“Artists always inspire me. I’m an athlete at heart; everything and anything can be competitive. I’ve written some of my best records after hearing a song and wishing I wrote it. I apply my own experiences as subject matter, but it all stems from the artists.”

What should we expect from your upcoming releases that are in the pipeline?

“Zombie is the lead single off my EP, which by the time this is published will be out. My debut EP, VILLAIN YOU LOVE, is out on the 4th of November, and I’m pretty gassed to share it with the world. The next EP is ready too. So, let’s see how soon it needs sharing.”

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

C Note91 calls for an end to ambiguity in his old school RnB single, How Deep ft. SIR Linho

Posted on 3 November 2022

After the success of his 2022 debut single, Hear No Lies, C Notes91 harmonically laid his love down on the line in his sophomore single, How Deep, featuring the rap artist SIR Linho.

The authentically 90s RnB single keeps the focus on the sweet and smooth vocal lines while the piano keys amorously intersect with the drum pads. SIR Linho’s rap verses which come mid-way through the track with soaring guitar notes add an incredible dynamic to the release that drags you deep into the impassioned outpour of emotion which calls for an end to romantic ambiguity.

It is almost impossible to believe C Notes91’s bio which covers the start of his journey when he had the passion but none of the vocal talent. He’s living and breathing proof that if you endeavour, you’ll get to where you want to be.

How Deep is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Miss Me: Sultry New Jersey’s Milbelynn wants that honey loving on Standards

Posted on 1 November 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMbPq0endAQ

Guiding us inside that butterfly feeling and dreaming about that ideal lover who hasn’t appeared yet, Milbelynn wishes for something more than most are willing to fight for on her latest classic, Standards.

Milbelynn (mil-buh-leen) is a New Jersey, USA-based indie RnB singer-songwriter who is best known for her recent breakthrough single called Move.

”Milbelynn’s follow up single Standards seamlessly marries gut-wrenching poetry to an empowered, rhythmic R&B anthem.” ~ an exclusive quote from Milbelynn

Wondering who is actually out there that can live up to her lofty expectations, Milbelynn sings with such harmonious delicacy and takes us for a nostalgic ride into her mind, who is seeking a proper Prince-like warrior.

Embracing our souls and showing us her self-worth, this is a track that will hold you close and give strength to those who feel that being single is a sign of weakness.

Standards from New Jersey, USA-based indie RnB singer-songwriter Milbelynn is a vocally excellent single to get our bodies gravitating towards someone so perfect, they make your heart melt like an ice-cream. Pacifying our senses and performing with a rare class from a young Queen, who only wants to be with someone decent who will go the extra mile.

When you know what you want, you soon see who is on the same page and who isn’t.

Check out the video on YouTube and find out more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Gaby K embodies the nectar of the honeymoon phase in her latest RnB pop single, Everyday

Posted on 31 October 2022

With quirky vocals reminiscent of Kate Nash which simultaneously embrace the roots of RnB, Gaby K’s latest loved-up hit that embodies the nectar of the honeymoon phase is an all too efficacious reminder of how sweet it can be.

Refusing to bow to the trend of hypersexual lyricism, Gaby K versed in the same vein as her icons, Amber Mark, Joy Crookes and Emeli Sande and encompassed the sweet motifs of new-found love in Everyday.

For most, the feelings that transpire when you’re in the idealisation stage of a relationship are unexplainable, but with the help of the playful reverb-wrapped Afropop-Eqsue melodies, Gaby K got to the crux of the intangibility of the energy and emotion.

The Birmingham-born and raised artist who made her debut in 2019 is well on her way to racking up 1 million streams with her singles that always come straight from the soul. Something tells us that the best is yet to come.

Everyday is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

I Know What You Want: X.A.E wants her to come on over with Say Yes

Posted on 29 October 2022

Taken from his recent 3-track EP called Count To 3, X.A.E might have our speakers melting because of the passionately romantic energy on the sultry new release called Say Yes.

X.A.E is a highly motivated Long Beach, California-based indie RnB artist and model who makes those ear-healing tracks your whole body has been desiring all day.

Guiding us through the whispers and the kisses that have flamed up the windows, X.A.E sings with so much world class eloquence that shall stimulate your senses and get the night started.

Say Yes from the youthful Long Beach, California-based indie RnB artist X.A.E shows us into the bedroom and where the heat is right now. Radiating with so much finessed abandon and lots of smooth talk, this is a heart racing experience that might need a cold shower afterwards.

When your eyes are locked, your heart opens up and glow wonderfully.

Listen up on Spotify and feel the energy blossom on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Closer To Me: Maria Michou sends our emotions into a spin on moving debut single Talk

Posted on 24 October 2022

Produced by Matthew May, Maria Michou introduces us to her passionate vocals on her memorable debut single that is all about showing that true love on Talk.

Maria Michou is a Greece-based indie RnB solo singer-songwriter who performs with grace and a serene delicacy that shall heal your soul.

”About the longing and want that a person can feel for their partner, especially when they are separated by such circumstances as distance.” ~ Maria Michou

Gliding appealingly into our curious consciousness with an endearing description of her feelings and a hugely likeable style, Maria Michou shows us inside her butterflies, which are soaring from a new love that has so much potential.

‘‘Influenced by some of the biggest stars in the world, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.” ~ Maria Michou

Talk from Greece-based indie RnB solo singer-songwriter Maria Michou is a stunning experience all about falling so deeply in love, you can’t wait for that phonecall from a new romantic interest. Ascending high and talking all night long while holding hands tenderly, we are swept into an eye-winking narrative, which will include lots of sweet kisses.

When you know who you want to be with, everything changes.

Listen to her first single on Spotify and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

R-Scar sent ripples of soul through the UK gospel scene with ‘Centre’

Posted on 21 October 2022

South London-born and raised Christian artist, engineer and producer R-Scar has been sending ripples of pure soul through the UK gospel scene with his luxe productions since his 2018 debut.

With his most popular singles racking up over 400,000 streams on Spotify alone, R-Scar isn’t solely making a name for himself; he’s also reworking South London’s negative reputation by being a refreshing source of euphonous light with his music. Take his single, Centre, as the perfect example of his ability to build a tranquilly hypnotic escape from negativity. As the ultimate testament that romance isn’t dead, the lyrics fed through his harmonically rich vocal timbre are enough to give you butterflies against the organically warm beats and electronic synthetics.

Centre is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Let Go: YungNickyBeamer is still hurting on Deserve It

Posted on 18 October 2022

Knowing that he can’t reverse the past and is probably to blame for everything, YungNickyBeamer senses that he might give up soon if anything else bad happens on the regret-filled single Deserve It.

YungNickyBeamer is an Arizona-based hip hop, RnB, and pop-punk solo artist who makes ear-splitting music that will pierce your heart and get you thinking rather deeper than before.

Sending our thoughts into places that are probably best left far alone, YungNickyBeamer shows us that our minds are actually more powerful that first realized. Projected with passion that will leave many breathless, guiding us through a dimly lit voyage that can be so foggy to decipher.

Deserve It from Arizona-based hip hop, RnB, and pop-punk artist YungNickyBeamer is an emotional track that is a worrying ode to current times in this strangely suffocating world. Displaying such bravery to write such honest music, this is a single that so many will sadly relate to during these dark times.

When you start to blame yourself for everything, the road may turn rather scary if you go too far.

Turn this one up on Spotify and get into the social interaction on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen