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rnb

Spotlight Feature: The LA Prog RnB supercluster of creatives, No False Ego, is all about the vibes in their authenticity-advocating debut single, We Are the Soul

Posted on 7 August 2024

In their debut single, We Are the Soul, LA’s Prog RnB collective No False Ego introduces themselves with a resonant proclamation of authenticity, amplified through an exploratively diverse sonic expanse. The blend of jazzy saxophones, indie guitar licks, and fluid genre transitions are undeniable attestations to how No False Ego is leading by example with their unique vision.

Fronted by the ethereal vocals of Kassandra, the track weaves through groove pockets of dreamy reverie, underpinned by a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect the band’s ethos of genuine self-expression. The production, crafted in the Big Bad Band Studios and finely tuned by Camilo Cedeno and Ronnie Silos, underscores a polished, heartfelt debut that promises so much for the future of the collective.

With a backbone of seasoned musicians including Steve Murillo on sax and keys, Carter on bass, Corey Scimenes on guitar, and Roach on drums, No False Ego is a veritable supercluster of creative minds with a clear message everyone should heed: embrace your authentic self, ditch the façade, and revel in the power of unfeigned originality.

As they prepare to broaden their horizons beyond the LA scene with upcoming releases, including the anticipated single Sunshine and a forthcoming EP, No False Ego is poised to uplift and empower a wider audience with their heartfelt vibrations and innovative sonic signature.

Stream We Are the Soul on Spotify now.

Stay up to date with news of the sophomore release by following No False Ego on Instagram and TikTok.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sink into the solace of Nesta Stephan’s future-forward neo-soul single, (don’t) Call me

Posted on 6 August 2024

Gabon-born, London-based artist, Nesta Stephan, didn’t just reach the crowning point of her career (so far) with her latest single, (don’t) Call me; she set a new reflectively candid standard while constructing a new trajectory in the evolution of RnB.

The half-French, half-Gabonese artist’s journey from global traveller to singer-songwriter shines through her work; her latest single, which is no exception, initiates with arcane gospel choir-esque harmonies that set a reverent tone, which is quickly juxtaposed with the intimacy of a voicemail message playing in the celestial outro.

As the track progresses, minor key melodies emerge under Stephan’s meditatively ethereal vocals, which paint a vivid portrait of isolation and abandonment. Stephan’s lyrics are a raw exposition of her inner world, addressing the tough theme of finding faith after maternal abandonment. Rather than succumbing to despair, the track radiates hope and compassion through its future-forward blend of afrobeat and neo-soul RnB, signalling a journey of reaching the other side of pain.

(don’t) Call me is the ultimate attestation of how plausible it is to reinvent yourself, regardless of what you’ve been through if you look outwards with empathy and inwards with self-regard.

(don’t) Call me was officially released on July 19; stream the single on Spotify now.

Follow Nesta Stephan on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with her latest releases.

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

GeeMarr became the sound of summer with his afrobeat scorcher, Sosa

Posted on 3 August 2024

The Jamaica-born, South London-raised artist and producer, GeeMarr, continued his ascent from the underground with his latest single, Sosa. The irresistibly rich synthesis of rhythm, obsession and soul is poised to become any discerning afrobeat fan’s quintessential summer anthem.

Sosa fuses his foundational influence of afrobeat rhythms with the verve of hip-hop and the intricacy of Latin-infused melodies to weave sensuous intimacy throughout the production; each beat becomes a seductive pulse which seizes the warmth of summer.

The instrumental complexity surpasses typical chart-topping hits, showcasing a depth that hints at GeeMarr’s potential to redefine genre boundaries. Each layer of sound is meticulously crafted, from the soulful synths to the bouncy Afrobeat drums, culminating in a hook that lingers long after the final note.

The artfully crafted experience designed to pull listeners into a vivid atmosphere of rhythmic celebration is accompanied by a high-production music video that mirrors the song’s dynamic energy. Through visuals that are as vibrant as the track itself, the video highlights the dancy, energetic nature of Sosa, further cementing GeeMarr’s footprint in the Afrobeat domain.

Written, produced, and performed by GeeMarr, ‘Sosa’ stands as a testament to his artistry and vision. With its intricate instrumentals and thematic richness, the track is set to leave a lasting impression. As Sosa gains traction, it’s clear that GeeMarr is crafting a legacy that will soon beckon a mainstream awakening to his sound.

The official music video for Sosa, which has already racked up over 25k reviews, premiered on July 18; be a part of the hype and stream the video on YouTube or check out the track on all major streaming platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DemiMa challenged extroverts and vindicated introverts in her transcendently dynamic slice of soul, Be Alone

Posted on 30 July 2024

DemiMa’s latest seminal single, Be Alone is the ultimate sonic paradox; it chills as it soothes as the dark, glitchy and syncopated beats carve a curve-surpassing edge into the production and cast a shadow over the serotonin-infused warmth of the South West London-based South African artist’s euphonic with enlightenment harmonies.

Knowing there’s a pervasive aversion to solitude, which consequently inhibits us from the growth only self-awareness can nurture, DemiMa became a transcendently dynamic voice of reason as she challenged extroverts and vindicated introverts in the single which progressively builds towards a climax of sheer illumination.

Be Alone, taken from her latest album, Duality Pt 1 Chaos, is the perfect introduction to her unique sonic identity, constructed through a synthesis of electronic soul and an experimental take on her aural ancestral roots. Her ethereal alternative sound has resonated with fans across the globe, as evidenced by her traction on platforms like BBC Radio 1, MTV Africa, and Teen Vogue USA.

The song’s measured pace and layered electronic textures invite listeners to explore the quieter corners of their minds while affirming that there are few voices as essential in the music industry as DemiMa’s.

The official music video for Be Alone premiered on July 26; stream the video on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get into an intimate RnB groove with ILL PHIL’s seminal single, Abo(U)T [Cinnamon]

Posted on 25 July 2024
THE MEMOIR by ILL PHIL PRODUCTIONS

The lead single, Abo(U)T [Cinnamon], from ILL PHIL’s EP, THE MEMOIR, which dropped on July 8th, is locked and loaded with vibe-heavy vulnerability. The track opens with an aphrodisiacal R&B intro that instantly locks you into a melodious groove that will leave you out of the proverbial palm of this illustrious artist’s hand.

The candour within the ode to a soul he doesn’t feel worthy of filling invites you to live vicariously through the passion that mused the mellow declaration of unflinching affection. The lush and laidback production that allows hints of hip-hop roots to pull through the soul-swathed melodies is a testament to the dynamic artist’s ability to use his own worldview to create vignettes which reflect wider emotional phenomena. Anyone who has ever felt the inflection of inferiority in the presence of someone who appears to be rendered in perfection will find visceral resonance in every honeyed vocal note in Abo(U)T [Cinnamon].

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, ILL PHIL is a seasoned producer and artist with over a decade of experience in the hip-hop and R&B scenes. Known for his versatility, ILL PHIL excels in producing, songwriting, beat making, mixing, and mastering, crafting high-quality tracks that resound with creative authenticity. Abo(U)T [Cinnamon] is the ultimate example of how ILL PHIL is holding dominion over the NYC RnB scene.

Abo(U)T [Cinnamon] is available to stream on Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Follow ILL PHIL on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sydney’s annelise. is poised with sensuous power in her latest RnB single, Rearrangement

Posted on 21 July 2024

Since unveiling her 2019 debut EP, NO Feelings, the Western Sydney singer-songwriter annelise. has emerged as an indomitable force in the RnB scene who is showing no signs of slowing down on her trajectory to the top of the charts. Having been lauded by Rolling Stone Magazine and several other national tastemakers, she’s one of the few artists in the modern era who lives up to her hype.

Her latest sensuous with style and soul single, Rearrangement, is the latest installation in an onslaught of euphoric earworms which exhibit her seraphic grace and elevated approach to sound design which any fans of Aaliyah will want to inject into their playlists.

The downtempo track reverberates with honed emotional intelligence as she reflects on the downfall of a relationship after holding her partner to account. Rearrangement softly speaks volumes of how easy it is to become a pacifist in a toxic dynamic while attesting to how vital it is to trust your instinct and be your own advocate in a relationship.

The poised-with-power release will undoubtedly become a source of empowerment for anyone who sinks into the slow-burning serenade of the senses.

Rearrangement was officially released on July 18; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J Cass subverted RnB with the neon-lit melancholy in ‘In Da Club’

Posted on 21 July 2024

In Da Club by J Cass unleashes itself from the parameters of the typical RnB anthem by subverting expectations with its Weeknd-esque pensiveness layered beneath the shimmering, neon-lit instrumentals.

The follow-up to his debut, What We Gon’ Do, showcases J Cass’s scintillating ability to blend visceral colour and melancholy within smooth, minor key melodies. His vocals, heavy with gravitas, sweep across the trap-infused beats, marking this track as a profound exploration of emotional depth and artistic maturity.

In Da Club tears down the barriers to the soul, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys while dancing to its rhythm. As J Cass continues to navigate and reshape the R&B landscape, his tracks invite us to submerge into our own introspective experiences.

Joseph Castro, the man behind J Cass, hails from Tampa, Florida, and brings a rich background in music and life philosophy to his work. As a graduate of Berklee with a BA in Music Business, he is deeply committed to influencing the music scene through his soul-stirring sonics and educating young minds as a teacher at the Bach to Rock Music School, where he is fostering the next generation of musical talent.

In Da Club is available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Indie synths drive the soul in ‘Our Story’, the latest chapter in the organically originated artistry of iinz

Posted on 19 July 2024

‘Our Story’ is yet another chapter in the organically originated chronicle of the Alt-RnB trailblazer, iinz. With an innate ability to traverse the lesser-explored corners of RnB and the human experience alike, iinz introduces a fresh, experimental approach to her euphoniously stylised narratives.

Born from a visceral moment of heartbreak, Our Story is a profoundly personal vignette which epitomises the authentic and introspective essence of the independent artist. The single touches on how even if you share the most intimate parts of yourself, that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll share the same reality.

The loungey, pseudo-jazzy rhythms interspersed with indie synthwave touches create a lush, immersive soundscape which testifies to the nuanced sophistication within the artistry of iinz. Her collaboration with producer Taiina elevated the sonic complexity and evocative resonance to the nth degree.

With iinz on your playlists, you’re never short of a refuge of solace and understanding. The LA-hailing Israeli-American soulstress’ ability to find the alchemic intersections between old-school soul and alt-pop is beyond compare. Yet, there’s an aching sense that when it comes to iinz, expression will always be prioritised over competition.

Our Story will be officially released on July 19; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chicago soul conduit, JOSÉ, reflected the beauty of human connection in his latest single, This Is

Posted on 18 July 2024

For his latest single, This Is, the soul conduit, JOSÉ, collaborated with guitarist Tim Wu, to deliver his most sublime slice of euphony to date.

With Tim Wu’s melodious guitar lines grooving through the smooth minimalist production, oscillating between staccato chops and intricate lead work, the instrumentals soothe the senses as JOSÉ’ dreamy diaphanous harmonies send sparks of affection through the release which tenderly meditates on a love so pure that it tears at the soul to even think about letting it go.

The Chicago-born-and-raised singer-songwriter and producer who made his debut earlier this year is clearly well on his way to carving out a legacy for himself with his uniquely mellow singles which allow affectionate introspection to evolve into universally resonant reflections of the beauty of human connection.

This Is was officially released on July 12th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast