Browsing Tag

rnb

Lust and Luminescence: Exploring Derik Madrid’s Pulsative RnB Pop ‘Vision’

Posted on 17 July 2024

Derik Madrid, a Filipino singer-songwriter based in Sydney, illuminated the airwaves with the neon-lit glow of his latest RnB pop release, Vision. Created in collaboration with the powerhouse producer, Declan Dias, the sensuously salacious single explores the phenomenon of objects of desire existing as abstract ideas within fantasies until the lust-fuelled daydreams become more tangible than semblances of reverie.

The themes of fixation are expertly visualised in the etherealism of the single which showcases Madrid’s vocal versatility and Dias’ ability to thematically run with a concept until it euphonically materialises. Pulsative electronic beats become the bedrock of the vulnerable release that is underpinned with enough pure passion to allow listeners to vicariously experience the artist’s deep adoration and prompt reflection on the profound connections in their own lives.

By exploring the haunting fear of loss and unrequited love, Vision is a deeply affecting meditation on the dualism of love. It’s so much more than a showcase of Madrid’s ability to fuse his narratives into memorable melodies; it’s a testament to his talent for creating music that resonates on a profound level with his audience.

As Madrid continues to draw inspiration from icons like Sam Smith and The Weeknd, his own unique voice becomes increasingly distinct and influential.

Vision was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shegogg & Mariah Jae blossomed in their serene odyssey of lush RnB, ‘Garden II’

Posted on 3 July 2024

Shegogg’s latest lush with serene soul single, ‘Flower II’, created in collaboration with Mariah Jae, is a revisitation of the 00s RnB era via an unchartered path paved with striking authenticity.

The track’s unique ability to rekindle the genre’s former glory is amplified through the vibrant infusion of contemporary RnB elements while Mariah Jae adds a profound dimension with her ethereal and diaphanously sweet vocals, creating hypnotic harmonies that drift above the solid, trap-infused beats.

At 33, Shegogg, originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and now based in Atlanta, Georgia, stands as a cultivated originator. His style—a skilful meld of RnB and Pop-Funk—brings to mind the smoothness of artists like Justin Timberlake and Usher, yet, rather than letting influence overshadow his sense-awakening sonic signature, he plays to his strengths by blending soulful rhythms and melodies with a warmth that resonates deeply, evoking feelings of comfort and connection.

Unlike his deadest on mimicking RnB icons contemporaries, Shegogg innovative spirit turns everything he touches to sonic gold, and Flower II was far from the exception. The release harnesses the power of metaphoric parables to encourage listeners to nurture their relationships as his and Mariah Jae’s synergy becomes undeniable. Their vocal interplay weaves through the hazy Latin guitar-flavoured backdrop and the intermittently dominant trap beats, efficaciously capturing the bliss of being locked in love.

Garden II was officially released on June 19th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jazz Meets Dreamy RnB in No False Ego’s Irridescent Debut, We are the Soul

Posted on 26 June 2024

No False Ego came to iridescent light with their sublime-on-the-senses debut single, We are the Soul. The devilishly clever arcane reprise of “here we are” is the epitome of a statement of intent from the LA-based unreckonable outfit who, true to their name, riff, harmonise, and groove straight from the heart.

The track is an intoxicating blend of free-form jazz expressionism and dreamy RnB vocals, creating a sublime contrast that is as unpredictable as it is cathartically consuming. The time signatures pulse with an unpredictable fervour, giving the track a lively, spontaneous feel while the hazy-with-soul RnB vocals and loungey keys act as a pure, diaphonic anchor, grounding the listener in the midst of intuitively impromptu drum fills, warm yet wild sax lines, and chameleonic guitars which switch from chopping funk through the progressions to injecting nuances of indie blues rock.

No False Ego’s ability to weave together these diverse elements with superlative ease showcases their impressive musicianship and commitment to authenticity. Each component contributes to a cohesively rich soundscape which triumphs on a technical level while connecting with the listener emotionally.

Now they’ve made their introduction on the airwaves, it is time for No False Ego to hold soulful dominion over them; we can’t wait to watch their ascent.

We are the Soul is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

King Brian versed the gospel of manifestation in his latest alt-RnB single, Gotta Make It

Posted on 24 June 2024
Gotta Make It by King Brian

King Brian (AKA Brian Christopher Brown) is a master of all creative trades, and jack of none; the Michigan-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, dancer, author, filmmaker and producer honed his talents at a young age, and at this stage of the game, he is nobodies’ pawn.

His latest single, Gotta Make It, is an extension of his impassioned aspiration to become a catalyst for positive transformation worldwide; also noted through his series of books which explore how to unlock enlightenment, fulfilment and self-actualisation. By fusing the soul of RnB and the conviction of rap verses within a melodically tight, and transcendentally iridescent all-consuming pop-hooked production, Gotta Make It is an unflinching statement of intent from an artist determined to bring his rapidly expanding audience to gaze through his illuminated and empowered world view.

Gotta Make It surpasses the tired hustler hip-hop tropes by delivering the gospel of manifestation to anyone ready to take control of their lives, instead of blindly wishing for kismet or karma to pay them their dues.

Gotta Make It is exclusively available on Bandcamp until the single reaches all major streaming platforms on July 7th. Find your preferred way to listen here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

December Fades reached the pinnacle of synthwave seduction in his latest single, With You

Posted on 14 June 2024
December Fades

LA singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, December Fades, has delivered what will undoubtedly be revered as the most seductive synthwave sound of the summer with his latest single, With You.

The moody reverberations beneath the transcendent tones emulating from the glassy synths which echo the neon-lit euphoria of the Weeknd create a scintillating contrast while simultaneously injecting profound depth into the unfiltered passion in the love song that invites you to witness the darkness beyond the light of connection.

With all the makings of a radio-ready perennial pop earworm and the sincerity of a soul-bleeding candour in its rawest form, With You broke the summer pop mould. The single stands as a testament to December Fades’ affecting approach to rendering romanticism into his productions which may drift between styles but they always arrive on the airwaves with cinematic flair, infectious melodies, and lyrics sharp enough to tear their way through the coldest of souls.

Stream With You on all major platforms, including Spotify, from June 14.

For more ways to listen and connect with the artist, check out December Fades’ official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ARCTISKY became the Chris Isaak of his Generation with ‘Unreal Love’

Posted on 14 June 2024
ARCTISKY

ARCTISKY’s latest single, Unreal Love, is the smoothest slice of rock-fervoured seduction your rhythmic pulses have ever wrapped around.

Impassioned in the same vein as The National’s Trouble Will Find Me LP, the single, prised from the Maldives-born, Melbourne-based troubadour of slick soul’s debut album, Roots Vol. 1, is a tapestry of lush tonality, stitched with edges of indie pop, the passion of RnB, funk grooves, and rock roots which puts the singer-songwriter in the same league as Chris Isaak.

Your heartbeat will become the second most important rhythm coursing through you as soon as you immerse yourself in the authenticated hit which exhibits ARCTISKY as one of the most sincere revolutionists on the airwaves. With vocal harmonies that pour as deliciously as the mellifluous melodies that unravel as a confluence of ornate piano keys, reverb-swathed synths and soaring guitar lines over the propulsive rhythm, Unreal Love is as close to heaven as you will get on the airwaves.

Unreal Love will be available to stream on all major platforms with Roots Vol 1, including Spotify, from June 14.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nicole Leaskk unveiled RnB’s most authenticated modern love story with ‘Want You’ ft Strizzy Strauss

Posted on 5 June 2024

Nicole Leaskk’s latest Afrobeat-heated single, Want You, is a subversive symbol of defiance in the face of RnB tropes. If you’re tired of the lyrical fawning and mourning old flames as their light dims, tune into the 90s RnB-inspired summer pop anthem that captures the passion of tragically relatable conflict. Tempers run as hot as the tones in RnB’s most authenticated modern love story.

The reprising lyric “I don’t even want you, I just want to prove you’re mine” testifies to the inevitability of becoming an unwilling pawn in mind games if you dare to delve into the dating pool as Latin flavours ooze through the guitars and percussion and bring the rhythmically kinetic groove in the Afrobeat-tinted production.

Strizzy Strauss’ grime-y rap bars work in dynamic contrast to Nicole Leaskk’s firebranded vocals as he delivers the other side of a cat-and-mouse vignette of tormenting prey before casting aside and moving onto the next chase.

The flawless execution of Want You will undoubtedly leave the UK singer-songwriter open to more critical acclaim. If you’re still sleeping on her, you may as well be in a coma.

Want You was officially released on May 31; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: ELZON broadened the alt-RnB hip-hop horizon with his psychedelic trip of a hit, ‘expensive dreams’

Posted on 4 June 2024

ELZON redefined the boundaries of alt-RnB and hip-hop with his latest single, expensive dreams. The London-based artist, known for his rich cultural background and boundary-pushing music, delivered a scintillatingly serene installation of hypnotic innovation which begins with a visionary overture that lures listeners into transcendence, where dreamy 8-bit tones meld seamlessly with cloud rap influences.

The track is a kaleidoscope of cultivation, opening a portal to unrestrained artistic expression. As the song progresses, it builds towards a mesmerising mid-section, characterised by ethereal falsettos reminiscent of The Weeknd’s early work. This shift in tone, akin to a record player hitting play on a fresh LP, elevates the track into a crescendo that injects subtle intensity and speaks of ELZON’s status as a revered pioneer who is well on his way to becoming a viral sensation.

Produced between London and Manchester, with the signature touches of Elliot Taylor and Blamebrazy, expensive dreams is a testament to ELZON’s relentless pursuit of pushing leftfield sounds into the mainstream.

ELZON describes the track as a “psychedelically experimental rap/RnB track inspired by Frank Ocean and Lucki, featuring cloud rap-influenced instrumentals and Blond-esque pitched vocals”. This fusion creates a lush soundscape of surreal serenity that speaks to the senses louder with every listen.

ELZON’s journey from his early days making music in his bedroom to collaborating with Grammy-nominated producers attests to his talent and dedication, which the airwaves will see more of later this year when he unleashes his art PUNK mixtape.

Stream expensive dreams on Spotify, and follow ELZON on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

NYC’s MG & the Orbs delivered a remedy for self-pity with their timelessly swanky jazz blues alchemy in HELP is What You’re Needin’

Posted on 31 May 2024

With Maria Giorgio at the helm, MG & the Orbs is a peerless ensemble, revered throughout the Big Apple and beyond for their soul-imbued brand of jazz blues. Their latest single, HELP is What You’re Needin’ is enough to make you want to turn back time to add them to your radar earlier.

The resolute rejection of an invitation to a pity party is the ultimate remedy for anyone who finds themselves perpetually employed to do other people’s emotional labour. The soulful defiance in the blues shuffle which Giorgio penned after a writer on a movie set she was working on started to sing his own relationship blues. After instantly finding the inspiration in the exchange, Giorgio enlisted her cultivated collective to breathe life into the upliftingly unreckonable single that proves just how dangerous it can be to bring out the hellcat in a conduit of soul.

MG & the Orbs don’t just believe in music as a healing force, they deliver the cure in their timelessly swanky jazz blues alchemy.

HELP is What You’re Needin’ was officially released on May 24; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Remmorii became the king of cross-over appeal in ‘Radio Silence’

Posted on 28 May 2024

Radio Silence by Remmorii epitomises genre fluidity, offering a flood of slick and smooth grooves that easily do the lyrical gravity justice. The melody master’s focus on flow over genre fit is enriched with tinges of Afrobeat flavours within a pop framework. This, combined with RnB hip-hop vocals that spill soul, grants the track substantial commercial crossover appeal.

Raised in Brampton and influenced by Hamilton, Remmorii, a Canadian alternative hip-hop artist, emphasises authenticity and melody in his music. With a name derived from the Latin “Memento Mori,” he reminds listeners of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging them to embrace every moment. His music, characterised by organic sounds, skilfully blends rich basses, crisp mid-tones, and smooth trebles, creating a polished edge that is distinctly his own.

In Radio Silence, Remmorii’s lyrics resonate with a soul ready to scream about an era plagued with alienating confusion. The track’s rhythmic intricacies and emotive delivery reflect his commitment to merging substance with irresistible appeal. If this single is any indication of what’s to come, Remmorii is poised to lead the future of the music industry with his unique voice and poetic lyricism.

For fans of pop and beyond, Radio Silence is a must-listen. Keep Remmorii’s name on your radar; his ability to inspire and uplift through artistic expression is as rare as it is remarkable.

Radio Silence is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast