Browsing Tag

Soul Singer

Henry Bitzer’s ‘25th Hour’ Radiates Rapturous Soul and Swagger

Posted on 30 September 2024

Henry Bitzer’s standout single, 25th Hour, from his debut LP Skydive, delivers some of the swankiest sounds of 2024. The track is a testament to the solo artist’s knack for nostalgically leaning songwriting chops, which remain sharp even when held up against his musical heroes.

Any attempt to resist the euphoric energy of 25th Hour is futile; the rapturous euphony he coaxes from the keys showcases his comfort and charisma in crafting soulful soundscapes that simultaneously nod to the past and stride confidently into the future.

Blending blues, 70s pop rock, and a smattering of jazz, Bitzer conjures a unique sonic synthesis that defies easy categorisation. The seamless fusion of styles creates a distinctive sound that harks back to the golden era of rock without feeling stuck in the past. His ability to weave eclectic influences into a seamless tour de rapturous force ensures that his legacy is already carving itself a place in the annals of contemporary alternative music. It’s only a matter of time before major labels are vying for his signature.

At just 19, the Minnesota native has been compared to the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel for his magnetic stage presence and infectious melodies. Now a second-year student at Belmont University in Nashville, Bitzer has spent the last four years performing live across the U.S., honing his craft and building a loyal following.

Stream Henry Bitzer’s debut LP, Skydive, on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Keilene: Unveiling the Multitalented Artist Behind ‘Lips’

Posted on 23 June 2024

Keilene’s artistic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her roots in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to her current status as a rising star, Keilene has continually pushed the envelope in music, dance, modelling, and acting. Her latest single ‘Lips’ is a culmination of her unique blend of cultural influences and creative passion. In this exclusive interview, she bares her inspirations, and exposes what ignites her unflinching passion for the arts. Prepare to explore the mind of a true creative powerhouse and discover what makes Keilene a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Welcome to A&R Factory, Keilene! We are thrilled to have such a multifaceted and dynamic artist join us. With your latest single Lips freshly released, we can’t wait to dive into your creative universe.  First off, can you tell us about your early life in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and how it has influenced your artistic journey?

Wow, where do I start?! Well, I was born at San Juan Municipal Hospital Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. My mom is Taino-Puerto Rican and my biological father Afro-Puerto Rican, but my dad who raised me is Jamaican. I moved to Coral Springs, Florida when I was quite young, however, my culture is invariably embedded in me through family, food, and of course, music. Music has always been at the forefront of every moment in my life, whether it be on family holidays with us dancing bachata in the living room, or turning up the volume to Alicia Keys while we clean house on a Sunday morning. At every turn, I am fascinated by how music can put color in the air.

You’ve built a diverse career spanning music, dance, modelling, and acting. What motivated you to explore so many different creative fields?

To others, it might seem overwhelming, but I see them all having the same common denominator, creating through expression. My motivation stems from my experiences of anxiety and depression during my adolescence, but throughout the years, I’ve learned to transmute those heavy emotions into divine inspiration as a result of the arts. Creating became a space for devotion.

Which of your creative endeavours do you find the most gratifying, and why?

That’s an easy answer. It’d have to be singing. I find myself reaching into the deepest depths of my soul and giving my all when my voice fills the room. It’s such a powerful feeling.

What was the inspiration behind your new single, Lips, and what message do you hope it conveys to your listeners?

I love this question! At my core, I am sentimental. I become enchanted by tender emotions in matters of love. I wanted to write an ode for that special someone in their life and embrace what it means to feel that, given the soft jazz tones. This song I hold dearly to my heart.

Working with notable artists like Beth Cohen must be an incredible experience. How has her mentorship influenced your music career?

Great question! First off, Beth is a phenomenal coach! Her teachings have brought confidence and vigor to my vocals like no other. She is a distinct means that has honed my instrument as well as the guide for me to navigate the music industry.

You recently landed a role in the horror/thriller, Bloodline Killer; how does acting compare to your experiences in music and dance? 

Being part of a great crew on set for Bloodline Killer allowed me the insight to see variations of me in the world of acting. It was such a fun experience diving into an all-ears and tenacious character like “Sergeant Keily”. Though acting is new territory for me, the opportunity to convey through diverse outlets has expanded the possibilities within my career.

What drives you to continually push the boundaries in your artistic career?

Interesting question! I’ve come to realize I’m not the same me I was five years ago, or three months ago. Sure, my values and soul are the drivers of this vehicle, but I continue to amaze myself with how I unravel greater versions of who I am meant to be. That will be the fuel to my success.

How do you want to make your mark on the music industry, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

This is beautiful. I’ve thought about this a lot. I aim to empower women to spark a flame within their spirits and realize the power they hold. Any opposition you face is a step towards your greatest achievements!

Stream Lips on Spotify now.

Discover more about Keilene via her official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Manchester soul sensation, Tsana lit the ignition of self-liberation with her single, All of Me

Posted on 16 April 2024

With her standout single, All of Me, Manchester’s Tsana, rewrote the time-old tale of giving your all in a relationship and receiving only regret in return and reached the epitome of class in the process. Even though emotions run red-hot in the deep groove pockets of the authentic RnB installation, there’s no room for self-pity in the ignition of self-liberation, which feeds into her signature ‘street-soul’ style.

Knowing it is all too easy to slip into a cascade of self-doubt when someone refuses to affirm your worth, Tsana became the ultimate role model for anyone who knows how bittersweet to come away from a relationship scathed by unappreciation.

The Manchester-based soulstress, riding high in her ‘grown woman era’ following a hiatus which saw her bring new life into the world, was a firebrand before her break from the studio and stages, with her latest EP, Lovehood, she’s not just in her element, she’s setting the UK soul scene alight with her cognizant cultivated aura. By finding the ultimate equilibrium between confident sophistication and hell-hath-no-fury unreckonable energy, she’s the best Manchester has to offer in 2024.

All of Me is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Charlotte Forman opened a gateway to the golden era of soul with ‘Make Me Your Girl’

Posted on 20 February 2024

Charlotte Forman opened a gateway to the golden era of soul with the superlatively timbered harmonies in her seminal single, Make Me Your Girl. It’s one of the few instances in the landscape of contemporary music where authenticity doesn’t play second fiddle to commercial appeal.

The UK songstress always puts her intricate imprint on her blends of soul, pop, jazz, and RnB. Make Me Your Girl, which unfolds as a compelling journey through the nuances of old-school soul is no exception. Forman’s voice, a potent blend of power and vulnerability, carries the song with an effortless grace reminiscent of the genre’s legends. The single’s cinematic quality is undeniable. Each crescendo and harmony is crafted with precision, enveloping the listener in a hauntingly warm tapestry of sound.

The lyrics, a poignant reflection of Forman’s personal experiences, speak of love and longing with an honesty that is both rare and relatable – despite our contemporary fear of rejection getting in the way of candour.

With Make Me Your Girl, Charlotte Forman not only cements her place as a rising star in the British music scene but also as a voice for the modern romantic. Her journey from the stages of amateur dramatic groups to headlining sold-out shows is a narrative of perseverance and passion. We can’t wait to see the heights she reaches as one of the most magnetic artists of our era.

Stream Make Me Your Girl on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jones pushed the boundaries of RnB with his latest serenade, Rush

Posted on 26 January 2024
Jones

Jones, an artist who needs only one name to make an impact, went where no RnB artist had ventured before with his latest bold declaration of individuality, ‘Rush’. From the deep south’s heartlands to the pinnacle of musical innovation, Jones has come a long way from the early days of sparking his passion for soulful sonics.

Rush is a masterclass in balancing the old and the new. The track is imbued with echoes of 90s RnB, a nod to the classics that shaped Jones’ early love for music. Yet, the way he weaves these influences into his experimental, pulsating melodies to create an almost discordant backdrop which harmonises perfectly with the smooth, flowing cadence of his vocals is visionary. It’s this juxtaposition that makes Rush a standout track that will capture your consciousness for long after the final note has faded.

Jones’ voice is a revelation as it soulfully pays homage to his church choir days while inscribing sensuously soulful poetry that nods to his determination and passion. His ability to stay true to his roots while pushing the boundaries of RnB will see him go far in 2024 and beyond.

Rush will hit the airwaves on January 26; stream it on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Issara can make any house a ‘Home’ with the soul in her latest single

Posted on 3 December 2023

With all the grace and beguile of a chanteuse fused with a retro soul aesthetic, the up-and-coming singer-songwriter Issara can make any house a ‘Home’ with her latest single, which offers a sanctuary of sound for anyone in search of solace.

By lyrically painting a protagonist who tends to the universal yet unseen needs that we all silently crave, Issara burned bright in the consoling warmth of the vignette of unconditional affection, which spins a narrative with threads of deep-rooted connection and understanding.

Home is a homage to the concept that home transcends physical spaces, echoing Issara’s journey across continents, and encapsulating the essence that home is indeed where the heart resides.

The production is steeped in a lush retro aesthetic, where the luminous timbres of the organ interlace with Issara’s vocals to create an ambience that is both comforting and soul-stirring. The hues of gospel spilling from the arrangement are a nod to her American church roots, bringing forth a nostalgic yet timeless quality that grips the listener’s soul. This track is not just heard; it’s felt, ensuring that by the outro, one’s soul is thoroughly sated.

With an ability to blend soul, pop, rock, gospel, French yéyé, and Thai funk, Issara has created a sound that is as diverse as her heritage. The song is a promise of what is to come from her upcoming debut album ‘222’, set for release on the befitting date of February 22, 2024.

As a mother of two and a beacon for late bloomers in the arts, Issara’s voice transcends mere melody to become a vessel of inspiration, encouraging others to find their place of belonging, their ‘home’, in whatever form it may take.

Home was officially released on November 17; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dom the Composer is Sleepwalking with Streetlights in his honeyed and hymnal soul single

Posted on 13 October 2023

Since releasing his debut single in 2019, Dom the Composer has summoned his signature sound through rhythmic reverence, a never-ending proclivity towards blues and the determination to lavish even his most pensive singles with soul.

His latest single, Sleepwalking with Streetlights, created in collaboration with Novian Wright proves his time with the All Saints Choir of Men and Boys in Ashmont didn’t go to waste. His hymnal and honeyed vocal register instantly arrests the soul as the bluesy melodies work their magic on your rhythmic pulses before Novian Wright brings a sense of dynamism with his rap bars that effortlessly complement the MA-hailing Haitian-American singer-songwriter’s intoxicating timbre.

Sleepwalking with Streetlights is perfect for those late nights when your demons drive you to the point of distraction, retrospective regret wracks you with the compulsion for action and there is no appeasing your restlessly listless mind. It is a sublime testament to an artist who is clear in his determination to let trends pass him by and stay on his own euphonically enlightened path of delivering uninhibited vulnerability and originality.

Sleepwalking with Streetlights was officially released on September 28; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get close to Kameron Waller with his psycho-sonic soul single, Therapy

Posted on 31 May 2023

As smooth, sultry, and cinematic as the most iconic items in D’Angelo’s discography, the standout single, Therapy, from Kameron Waller’s EP, Rose Coloured Lens, is a postcard to 80s nostalgia, signed, sealed, and delivered with modernist lyricality. If you need a late night soul fix, delve into the smorgasbord of it superlatively laid out in Therapy.

After finding his voice in church choirs while independently writing songs, Kameron Waller was primed to make his unforgettable 2022 debut with his single, Traveler. The Maryland-born and raised soul singer has scribed his unique sonic signature through the amalgam of powerfully smooth vocals, lyrical storytelling and focus on honest emotion and empowerment. All of which are present in the confessionally fervent release, Therapy. By the time you reach the outro, you could very well be left with unrealistic romantic expectations.

Stream the official video for Therapy via YouTube or purchase the single via apple music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

South Australian soul singer, Bree Gregory, has made her sultrily smoky debut with Only You

Posted on 1 July 2022

With a vocal timbre as smoky as the bluesy RnB groove pockets, The South Australian soul singer, Bree Gregory, is the epitome of seductive soul in her debut single, Only You.

Inspired by contemporaries such as Black Pumas and Erika Badhu and the icons of soul, her soulful love letter fuses nostalgic warmth with cutting style while delivering an open invitation to drink in the highs of affectionate intoxication that ebb and swell through the soundscape.

By the time the outro rolls around any sense of pretence or restraint tears away through the intensity of Gregory’s strident vocal dynamism. So yeah, it is one hell of a debut from one exceptionally talented artist. We can’t wait to hear what follows.

Only You will officially release on July 1st; you can hear it for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The RnB soul singer, Tarnisha Bruce is sensational once more in ‘Keep the Love We Make’

Posted on 6 March 2022

After Tarnisha Bruce wowed us with her alternatively old school take on RnB with her single, Love Therapy, she’s back on soulful form in her seminal ballad, Keep the Love We Make, which finds an impassioned way to pay homage to the beauty in perpetual love.

Scroobius Pip may have said that the idea of unconditional love is simply being in love with the idea of love, but Tarnisha Bruce proves that there’s plenty more to the desire to find a light that will never go out behind someone else’s eyes.

Once again, it’s a stunningly serene release that doesn’t fail to fill you with a flood of warmth from the first jazzy RnB piano progression. As for the lyrics, you’d be hard-pressed to find a sweeter or more sincere proclamation of affection.

Keep the Love We Make is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast