Browsing Tag

rnb

NASRUS has unleashed their fearlessly unfiltered funked-up debut, Neurotic Goddess

Posted on 27 May 2024

The pop/R&B duo NASRUS, comprised of Grammy-nominated artist Shawn Rivera and acclaimed singer-songwriter Norm Adams, exhibited a testament to their fearlessly unfiltered lyrical approach by unleashing their genre-fluid debut single, Neurotic Goddess,

Eschewing the typical ilk of funked-up, synth-laden hits, Neurotic Goddess dives deep into the psyche of the kind of narcissistic nightmare that you’d hope to only encounter in your subconscious and not the streets.

The audaciously infectious anthem leaves over-explored female archetypes behind, opting instead to explore the chaotic magnetism of neurotic femme fatales. The playful, devil-may-care narrative spills swathes of catharsis for anyone who has ever tangled with such a personality, providing a vindicating outlet for their pain.

The funk guitar chops against the rhythmically compelling beats, 90s aesthetics and synth-pop melodies paired with the augmented dualling vocals positioned NASRUS as one of the hottest duos since Daft Punk brought the funk.

Stream Neurotic Goddess on Spotify now and let NASRUS take you on a wild ride through the depths of neurotic euphoria.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The UK’s hottest RnB trio, Y.Q.S, Harmonised Through An Interplay of Light and Dark Duality in Their Latest Single, No Angel

Posted on 24 May 2024

Y.Q.S’s latest harmonised-to-the-nines contemporary RnB single, No Angel, is a sublime equilibrium that delicately balances shadow and light, embodying the complexity of feminine energy and autonomy. This track emerges from the depths of personal scars and speaks volumes of universal archetypes, presenting itself as a bold declaration of independence against the backdrop of love’s darker, often unexplored side.

Y.Q.S, a supergroup hailing from the urban melting pots of London and Manchester, channels their rich RnB heritage into a modern narrative that will ensnare fans of iconic ensembles like 3LW and Destiny’s Child. No Angel is steeped in the trio’s signature style of lush, interwoven harmonies, elegantly layered over a trappy, contemporary beat that amplifies the track’s luxe feel.

The production, handled by Klaudia Keziah and Jojo Farinella at Southampton’s Red Room Studios, further refines the single’s polished fiery signature that carries the potent with empowerment lyrics, which create a resonant anthem for those who navigate the tightrope walk of self-sacrifice in relationships.

As Y.Q.S stands poised on the brink of further acclaim, having already graced platforms at London Fashion Week and received nods from BBC Introducing, No Angel promises to elevate their artistic trajectory even higher.

The release, scheduled for streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, from May 24th, will coincide with the release of the official music video for No Angel.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

New Jersey Heavyweight SirC.A.P delivered raw RnB emotion with his standout single, Toxic Love

Posted on 21 May 2024

SirC.A.P served an authentically fresh RnB flavour in his standout single, Toxic Love, from his stylistically dynamic sophomore LP, What We Became.

The New Jersey-hailing 18-year-old independent artist’s dreamy, cinematically luxe iteration of Afrobeat RnB is definitive proof of how deep trauma bonds dig into the soul. His vocal lines wrap around the wounds inflicted by a relationship which veered from adoration into masochism as the wavy instrumentals depict a mind out of sync with sensibility. Everything about the soul-piercing production signifies a flawless execution; SirC.A.P’s vision came to life and pulsates with its own heartbeat of confessional visceral pain.

The artist formerly known as C.A.P The Rapper adopted his new moniker after sensing a shift in the tides of his creativity and no longer wanting to be confined by the expectations his former creative alias imposed. Together with his producer and co-CEO of 5 Star Records, 22cali, SirC.A.P dawned a new era of expressionism with his hotly anticipated LP, What We Became, which went live on the airwaves on May 10th.

Toxic Love is now available to stream with SirC.A.P’s second album, What We Became, on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dani Enli opened the doorway to the RnB Pop pantheon with ‘till the end of time’

Posted on 19 May 2024

After the phenomenal success of her debut single, used to it, singer-songwriter & producer Dani Enli ensured the momentum amassing around her stayed high by releasing her sophomore single, till the end of time. By synthesising future-forward RnB melodies with a pensive trap beat and the sentimentality of pop balladry, Enli opened the doorway to the RnB pop pantheon with the downtempo release which gives every aching word to breathe and resonate over the synths that echo emotion as much as the lyrical poetry.

The bittersweet RnB pop symphony delivers the heart-wrenching epiphany that in the mind and reality of the one that got away, all you will ever be is a memory that fades. Inspired, written, composed and produced following a breakup, the single tenderly explores the transitions between resentment and longing, regret and mourning, proving that nothing is ever black and white; everything lies on a spectrum which Enli profoundly explores with the blissful tonal hues that drift between the progressions in this mellifluously flawless production.

till the end of time reached the airwaves on May 10th; add the single to your Spotify playlists or stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ride the waves of neo-soul transcendence in Livvy Clarke’s artfully arcane release, Love Letter

Posted on 16 May 2024
Livvy Clarke

What Radiohead is to art rock, Livvy Clarke is to neo-soul; the dreamy zeal within the artfully composed complex time signatures in her latest single, Love Letter, allows the release to defy gravity as it transcends through installations of endlessly ascending cultivation, guided by her arcane vocal range.

With this single, the singer-songwriter who has been likened to her heroines, Angie Stone, India Arie and Tracy Chapman, proved that the most powerful love letter you can ever write is a love letter to yourself after overcoming adversity with enough gratitude and tenacity that you can celebrate still being here.

Love Letter is by no means an affecting exception. Livvy Clarke’s evocative repertoire cages swathes of singles which evoke emotion and bare her soul. By always using personal events as thematic underpinnings in her releases, authenticity and sincerity are always guaranteed.

Her sophomore single, Enough, covered the tragedy of saying goodbye to her mother; watching her daughter become disabled to the point of nearly saying another heart-wrenching goodbye convinced Livvy Clarke of the necessity of writing for catharsis.

Her latest single, co-written with renowned songwriter, arranger and producer, Julian Hinton, (Stormzy, Seal, Rod Stewart) captures Clarke in her free spirit era, unshackled by the weight of monumental grief and strife; it is a testament to the fortitude of the human spirit which lies within us all.

Love Letter will be available to stream on all major platforms from May 16th.

Find your preferred way to listen on Livvy Clarke’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Voices of Resilience: Mariam Davina on Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery in ‘Reintroduction

Posted on 14 May 2024

In this introspective interview with Mariam Davina following the release of her debut EP, “Reintroduction,” we delve into the emotional currents that define its six tracks. Mariam opens up about her creative process, revealing that each song served as a diary entry, capturing her experiences with love, loss, and the journey to self-discovery. From singing in South London churches to competing on The Voice UK, Mariam’s path has been anything but ordinary. Discover how her profound experiences have shaped her music and what lies ahead for this promising artist. Join us in exploring the depths of Mariam’s artistry and the personal revelations that fuel her soul-stirring music.

Mariam Davina, thanks for the opportunity to sit down with you after the release of your debut EP, Reintroduction, we’d love to start by exploring the emotional themes within the six tracks and how you decided on the scintillatingly soulful and luxe sonic style that permeates all of the singles. 

Thank you for having me!

What sparked the inspiration to create the EP? 

What sparked my inspiration was what I was going through at the time. I discovered what it meant to be loved and I wrote these songs based on how I was feeling and my experience. Each song was written at different points. The songs were like my diary entries sharing my thoughts and feelings whilst experiencing the rollercoaster of love, loss and finding myself.

What did you discover about yourself while working on the EP?

A whole load of things, however, the most important thing was the discovery of how I work best and what I like and don’t like.

At what age did you realise that you wanted to pursue a career as a musician? 

I started singing at the age of three, singing in choirs and singing solos. This exposure made me realise that this is what I wanted to do for life. I love singing and performing in front of crowds and from the age of five I decided that this is what I want to do, and I want to become a star.

How did growing up in South London and signing in church play a role in your development as an artist?

Growing up singing in church taught me the foundation of music and the various expressions of the art. I learnt how to find how to project, how to deliver emotion, how to harmonise and blend and more. It also taught me how to communicate with a band and take the audience on a journey. I think this was necessary for me because I feel like nowadays artist development isn’t as strong as before, so I was lucky to have an environment where to develop into what I am today.

Having been a semi-finalist on The Voice UK and coached by Sir Tom Jones, what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from that experience?

I learnt a lot about working with different people and always being ready to take on a challenge. It was a reminder to always be prepared and your hard work will pay off. Every night I performed, I performed like it was my last performance and that’s how it should be all the time.

Which artists inspire you the most and what is it about them that you strive to emulate in your own work?

I’m inspired by a lot of artists vocally. I’m inspired by Whitney Houston and Jasmine Sullivan mainly due to the emotion they carry when they sing. I’m inspired by Beyoncé from her voice to her work ethic to just seeing how she’s been able to maintain the longevity in her career and still be as incredible as she is.

How do you hope your music, particularly the songs from Reintroduction, will resonate with your listeners?

I hope that my music can help people as it helped me navigate my different emotions in each stage of that period. I hope people enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it, I want them to find a sense of peace because that’s how I feel after finishing and releasing this project because I’ve seen myself grow, learn about love, and learn that it is okay to let go even though it’s hard and find yourself again.

Finally, looking ahead, what can your fans expect next from you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?

Going forward, you can expect more shows and I can say that I’ve got a lot more content coming out to showcase the creation process of the EP and behind the scenes.

–

Stream Miriam Davina’s music on Spotify.

Follow the artist on all major platforms via this link.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

I AM Cricchi unveiled his soul in his genre-defying journey of an LP, The Road Back

Posted on 9 May 2024

In his fourth album, The Road Back, the chart-topping urban evocateur I AM Cricchi locked and loaded enough heavy emotional artillery to wage war on the airwaves. The release is a continuation of his commitment to drawing out poison through self-expression, resulting in a visceral anthology that fervently spans the entire emotional spectrum. Stylistically, Cricchi organically matches the psychological dynamism by seamlessly shifting between and melding elements of hip-hop, country, trap, RnB and pop; never assimilating his influences, Will Smith, Nelly, Kid Rock, John Mayer, Alan Jackson, Jelly Roll and Colt Ford, but emulating their ability to melodically envelop you within their emotional projections.

Even after the opening single, Deep Thoughts, the weight of the album that strips the Maryland-born, Texas-based artist’s soul bare, rests heavy. Yet, none of the vulnerable confessionalism within the lyrics or aching sonic motifs feels overbearing or oppressive. Instead, you fall into his world, living vicariously through the palpably cathartic dialectics, torn between intense empathy and revelling in the resonance in his authentic performance as he relives the raw feelings that became precipices to lyrically jump off.

I Gotta Grow is one of the testaments to the resilience required to overcome addiction, envision a better life and fulfil it; after losing himself to substance abuse, Cricchi practices what he preaches; it may not be your average gospel, but it can lead anyone walking to that path to salvation. Fortitude is a theme that echoes throughout the release which expertly uses euphonic acoustic elements and spatial effects to open up enough room for the emotional core for each of the singles to break through to the surface and stick with you for long after the final track fades.

Featuring a stellar line-up of collaborators, including Gringo the MC in Current Situation, Bubbly Galloway in Some Days, Jordan Meyer in Emotions, and Pirscription in Sorry I’m Late, The Road Back is a rare record where you won’t dare to skip a track.

The Road Back LP dropped on May 3rd; stream the emotionally expansive release on Spotify.

Read our interview with I AM Cricchi here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nikki Hayes delivered cyclical sorrow and superlative soul in ‘Same One, Different Face’

Posted on 8 May 2024

We were still under Nikki Hayes’ spell after hearing her hit 2023 single Safe, which solidified her status as one of the most promising voices in the contemporary RnB scene; with her latest single, Same One, Different Face, the Chicago-born, Arizona-based artist surpassed herself by unveiling her most evocative single to date.

Even the title of the single is bruising with its nod to how even if one door closes and another opens, cyclical patterns in relationships haunt us and paint a tormenting fate that leaves us destined towards cynicism. The refreshed 90s RnB aesthetic became an affecting playground for Hayes’ vocals which go beyond hitting the notes with poise as they strike every raw nerve in the soul through this vignette of how easy it can be to forego vulnerability to save yourself from the dejection of disappointment.

By reaching the epitome of sublime soul with Same One, Different Face while never letting the gloss of the modern production get in the way of the lyrical resonance, Nikki Hayes has to be one step closer to a Grammy of her own after working with swathes Grammy award-winning producers and artists in her expansive career.

Same One, Different Face hit streaming platforms on April 12; add the single to your Spotify playlists.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Serotonin Surge: Kennedy Administration’s ‘Be Your Lucky Number’ Strikes R&B Gold

Posted on 6 May 2024

From the first vocal note of Kennedy Administration’s single “Be Your Lucky Number,” you’re pulled under the artist’s infectiously vibrant spell which evokes euphoric soul over the zestfully serotonin-soaked groove pockets that carry the synthesis of hip-hop, RnB, and funk, leaving ample room for the pop hooks that keep you immersed in this riot of high vibe charisma that Kennedy Administration has become renowned for.

Every now and again, rare artists emerge that can transcend sound with the soul they deliver, it’s safe to say that Kennedy Administration is firmly in that camp. They’re the antithesis of your average painting-by-numbers artist, their intuitive relationship to music ensures that when Kennedy attacks the canvas, she becomes a conduit for unbridled otherworldly feel-good sensations.

Kennedy’s roots in Michigan’s musical soil, combined with her collaborative spirit alongside the keyboardist and producer Ondre J in New York, have cultivated a fertile ground for their creativity. The dynamic project, based in Brooklyn/NYC, pulses with the energy of the city. Their joy and passion are palpable, promising listeners an immersive journey into a world where every note celebrates the power of music. The single could easily be sold as a cure for depression.

Stream the live performance of Be Your Lucky Number at Studio G in Brooklyn on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Celestial Serenade: Anaia Lachelle’s ‘This Time’ Weaves RnB Nostalgia with Emotional Clarity

Posted on 28 April 2024

The anticipation for the RnB singer-songwriter Anaia Lachelle’s sophomore LP, Lay It Out, continues to intensify, especially after the release of her latest single, This Time. The 23-year-old Western Michigan University graduate has been honing her craft since the age of 16; in 2024, the evocative command of her pitch-perfect harmonies attests that there are few facets of her artistry left to polish.

The way her celestially crystalline harmonies glisten in the transcendent tones of her latest single, which finds the middle ground between 90s and 00s RnB, ensures that This Time doesn’t just act as a narration of her vulnerable emotion, it becomes a scintillating embodiment of it. Once you hit play on the single, you will fail to discern where your emotions end and the sublime succinct alchemy within This Time starts.

Every chapter of the tenderly tentative love story increases the yearning to turn the next page, allowing the single to offer a deeply gratifying listening experience as the progressions just get smoother and sweeter.

This Time hit the airwaves on April 12; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast