Browsing Tag

soul

‘Drift’ into euphony with Drew Dean’s Latest RnB Soul Serenade

Posted on 14 April 2024

Drew Dean’s latest single ‘Drift‘ tranquilly unravels as a celestial blend of soulful rhythms and ethereal melodies which pays homage to the 90s R&B aesthetic while boldly stepping into the future of the genre. Hailing from the vibrant shores of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dean’s journey in music, marked by a nomadic childhood and a rich West Indian heritage, culminates in this mesmerising track, which invites you to get lost in a lush tapestry of innovation.

Dean’s voice presents a paradox through the light luminescence of the register and the profound emotional depth it carries through the layers of R&B, Neo-Soul, Pop, and a hint of trappy hip-hop beats. Hit play and float in a dream-like state, unbound by the gravity of mundane reality.

The single’s cinematic quality makes it worthy of any Hollywood love story soundtrack, yet it retains an intimacy that feels like a love letter that anyone would want to muse. The testament to love’s divine nature and Dean’s execution is nothing short of angelic.

Dean’s influences, ranging from The Fugees to D’Angelo, resonate in his eclectic style, aptly termed ‘Eclectic Soul’. His background in church choirs and various international influences have clearly shaped his ability to create music that not only entertains but also touches the soul.

With ‘Drift’, Drew Dean solidifies his place in the evolving world of R&B, not just as a singer but as a visionary.

Stream the official music video for Drift, which premiered on March 22, on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

GeeMarr ignited a carnal flame with his exotically expansive RnB hit, Fire & Desire

Posted on 8 April 2024

GeeMarr, the UK’s RnB firebrand, ignited the genre with his latest single ‘Fire & Desire‘. The stylistic fusion of RnB, afrobeat, pop, and soul elements showcases GeeMarr’s versatility and creativity when blending diverse musical influences.

The intro of ‘Fire & Desire’ is a nostalgic nod to the 80s era of RnB, setting the stage for a contemporary twist that GeeMarr executes flawlessly. The track pulsates with modern cuts, seamlessly integrating autotuned reggaeton-esque vocal lines with sun-pierced melodies. The sax lines spill soul by the smorgasbord, weaving through the song and adding a rich, emotive layer to the already vibrant soundscape.

GeeMarr’s lyrics in ‘Fire & Desire’ resonate like mantras, creating a heady sonic haven that you’ll want to occupy all summer and ensuring that the midtempo vignette captures the sweetness of finding someone who evokes feelings of both love and lust. Even if you’re riding solo, you’ll get a taste of how sweet adding fuel to your carnal fire is.

Born in Jamaica and raised in South London, GeeMarr’s global influences are evident in his music. His repertoire spans Afrobeats, R&B, and Soul, and ‘Fire & Desire’ is a culmination of his artistic evolution. After a 5-year hiatus and a series of captivating freestyles on social media, GeeMarr is not just making a comeback; he’s redefining his sound.

GeeMarr’s involvement in every stage of his music, from writing and producing to mixing and mastering, ensures that his sonic signature blazes through ‘Fire & Desire’. This track is a must-listen for fans of RnB and anyone looking for a summer anthem that combines the best of global beats with the soulful depth of RnB.

Stream the official music video for Fire & Desire which dropped on March 28th on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Harmonising Art and Ambition: Deshon Washington’s Exclusive Interview with A&R Factory

Posted on 7 April 2024

In an intimate sit-down with A&R Factory, Deshon Washington, the soulful voice behind the upcoming single ‘Work of Art’, shares the essence of his growing musical legacy. As he recounts his start in the music industry, from karaoke bars in Conway, Arkansas, to the global stage of Carnival Cruise Lines, Washington’s narrative is a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision. His experiences, including a pivotal appearance on Netflix’s ‘Sing On!’, have shaped his unique sonic signature, turning challenges into stepping stones towards greater heights.

This interview is a deep dive into the heart of an artist who sees rejection as a catalyst for reinvention, and who dreams of one day conquering Madison Square Garden. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of a life dedicated to music, and the ambitious journey of a voice that refuses to be confined by the sea.

Thank you for the opportunity to sit down with you ahead of the release of your next single, Work of Art, what’s the story behind the single?

 “The story behind this single is that I could always look at a painting or any piece of art and seem infatuated by it, but one day I saw a woman who surpassed everything from my past, and it seemed the future, that I ever seen. I knew that the only way I could explain it was through song.”

How do the instrumentals in your upcoming single complement the emotional themes?

The single gives a very free and funky vibe. The song is filled with love and happiness (shout out to Al Green, an inspiration to me).

How and when did you start cutting your teeth in the music industry?

I started in 2018 when I released my first single “Little Time”. I was singing karaoke for 2 years prior in a bar called Kings Live Music, in Conway, Arkansas. I tried to find my voice and my own style before putting my own thoughts and visions into the public eye. Ever since then I’ve been growing and learning more about myself and the music industry. I still have a lot to learn, and I want to make it bigger than I’ve ever imagined.

How have your experiences in the music industry shaped your sonic signature?

A lot of people will see rejection as a sign of failure and let their vision dim. But I have seen it as the torch that lights my way to a brighter future. My experience in the industry hasn’t been all amazing, but the parts that have been, have completely overshadowed the bad parts. I have seen myself in a bigger venue than I already have been and only see myself getting bigger. Getting told no, and being rejected has made me redefine myself and mold myself into a better artist today than I was yesterday.

Your Netflix debut seems to have been a pivotal moment in your career; how did you land a spot on ‘Sing On!’, and what other doors did this opportunity open?

I landed it after competing in the KWC, Karaoke World Championships in Las Vegas in 2019. I made it on the National tryouts after making it past state, and once I made it, I got contacted by a casting director about trying out for a new singing show that would be on Netflix. It has opened a few doors for me, not as much as I thought, but I know the cause of why it hasn’t. I had to get out of my comfort zone, that being my home town, to see what other doors were out there for me to open. One of those doors was Carnival. I’ve had more success and growth in Carnival in the span of 2 years than I’ve ever done at home.

Can you give us an insight into the highs and lows of working as a singer for Carnival Cruise Lines?

The highs of being a singer on Carnival are the consistent work, the opportunity to sing songs outside of your comfort zone and to be able to expand on your artistic abilities. Being around so many different nationalities has its amazing parts as well. You grow as a person on the outside and inside, getting to know and understand the other nations. The lows are mostly being away from home and missing family and friends. It can take a huge toll on you, especially when a family emergency happens, and you can’t get home.

What is it like to release music at sea?

It can be very daunting. It’s a difficult step to get through because of internet issues on the ship and not always being in the same time frame as your producer/engineer. But it has its own rewards as well, because once you release it, you have thousands of people that you can promote your song to, every cruise.

Where do you see your talent taking you next?

My main goal is to sell out Madison Square Garden one day.  I feel like I am in the beginning years of the new and final me. Like I have found myself, my sound, my style, and I’m ready to take it to the world and take it over.

Thank you for your time!

–

Stream Deshon Washington on Spotify, discover more about the artist on his official website and follow him via Instagram and Facebook.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Go down the rabbit hole with TaQuan MonChez’s ode to 80s soul, Wonderland

Posted on 20 March 2024

Start your 80s RnB love story by slipping into TaQuan MonChez’s latest single, ‘Wonderland’, which pours the essence of gospel into the heart of RnB. After honing his skills in a 20-year tenure as a church musician and a self-taught pianist, Wonderland showcases TaQuan’s journey and his ability to construct auditory embraces, capable of enveloping listeners in lush, hazy tones.

The ode to an ethereal kind of love, one that allows the material world to dissolve into insignificance, ensures this emotional theme resounds through each element – especially through his velvety magnetic vocals as they effortlessly ascend into a higher vocal register.

The guitar lines in ‘Wonderland’ are also a standout feature, dancing through the track with a pop and groove that’s infectious, intricate, and definitively 80s. These melodies underpin TaQuan’s vocal prowess, creating a layered and immersive soundscape.

Moreover, ‘Wonderland’ is a showcase of TaQuan MonChez’s exceptional songwriting ability. Each musical element is meticulously woven to create a tapestry that visually and sonically represents the sanctity of transcendent love. The song is a testament to TaQuan’s belief in music that resonates with integrity and decency.

Wonderland was officially released on February 16; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Top supermodel Alana Monteiro brought style to the airwaves with her RnB meets dream-pop hit, Miss No More

Posted on 20 March 2024

Fuse wavy indie dream pop with swathes of contemporary appeal and Lynchian sonic cinematography, bed the synthesis into RnB roots, and you will be left with a hypnotic elixir which pours as deliciously as Alana Monteiro’s single, Miss No More.

The single unravels through the juxtaposition of lyrical vulnerability and the strident reclamation of power following a disempowering relationship that turned sour. The timbres in the track may run smooth, but there’s no putting out the fire Alana Monteiro started with her velvety luxe vocal lines that harness all the rage that is left in the ashes of a relationship that will never allow you to live up to your worth.

It’s a stunning release from the multi-faceted powerhouse of talent; when Alana Monteiro isn’t in the studio, she’s making waves in the fashion industry as a top supermodel who has made her way into the ranks of the top 100 black female models and acting in Emmy-award-winning films. Miss No More is definitive proof that her beauty is more than skin deep; it oozes from her soul into the lush production.

Stream the official lyric video for Miss No More which is slick with Burn Book-esque aesthetics and premiered on March 13 on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Backwoods Creek delivered the ultimate Southern soul-rock anthem ‘Alright’

Posted on 15 March 2024

Sensing cynicism in the universal waters, Backwoods Creek prescribed a potent dose of optimism with their latest single, ‘Alright’. The refreshing take on bluesy soul-swathed Southern rock played fast and loose with the genre constraints while keeping the instrumental arrangement tight enough to unravel as every rock-inclined muso’s wet dream.

Part lyrical mantra, part musical Tour De Force, the UK-based quintet exhibited ‘Alright’ as a masterclass in balancing raw, overdriven guitars and whiskey-soaked vocals with an undercurrent of hope and redemption. It’s a track that carries the dynamic energy of power pop while remaining true to its bluesy rock and roll roots.

The virtuosic cohesion of the instrumentals showcases their skill and chemistry, honed through years of friendship and collaboration, and you don’t have to buy tickets to their live shows (even though you really should) to witness their infectious energy performance energy; the band’s electrifying aura is perfectly captured in this track.

No one can deny that while life is on a downward trajectory hearing everything will be alright prises ennui out of your perception. This life-affirming hit goes beyond reassurance –  it’s transformative.

Alright will hit the airwaves on March 15; check out the release via the official Backwoods Creek website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Toy Taha – Thrill is Gone: A Fiery Requiem for Lost Love

Posted on 12 March 2024

Following up on her debut LP, EIGHT, the Philadelphia native, Toy Taha confidently veered off RnB’s beaten track with her latest single, Thrill is Gone.

Instrumentally, the moody jazzy foray is reminiscent of what might happen if the Arctic Monkeys took a detour through the heart of RnB territory; the instrumentals melodiously flow, blending genres tied together by a luxe 90s twist, setting a stage for Taha’s voice to explore the emotional aftermath of a fleeting romance.

Taha’s vocal lines weave through the complexities of quick-to-burn passion and being left with the aftermath of deception. Her voice, cultivated from a rich tapestry of influences ranging from Shirley Murdoch to Whitney Houston, scathes with a raw intensity, smouldering with unresolved passion.

Thrill is Gone is a testament to her candid lyrical approach, she navigates the intricate dynamics of love and loss with a narrative depth that’s as compelling as it is relatable, resulting in a fully stylised emotional outpour that anyone in the same position can source catharsis from.

Thrill is Gone was officially released on February 23rd, check it out on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rokeby’s Cover of What is Love is an Arcane Sermon of Mourning, Desperation and Torment

Posted on 10 March 2024

For his debut single, the London-based up-and-coming artist, Rokeby, proved what difference a minor key can make when he melancholically reinvented the 1993 single, What is Love, which was a flood of euphoric momentum under Haddaway’s dance pop duress.

The acoustic rendering of the single completely recontextualised the lyricism; the minor key piano notes and the gospel-esque soulfully profound vocal harmonies allowed the cover to unravel as an arcane sermon of mourning, desperation and torment. The ethereal production which sees his vocal range defy gravity swims in sincerity, inviting you to get lost in the undercurrents of agony inflicted by the absence of affection or the presence of imperfect love.

By taking inspiration from Hozier, Tom Odell, Bon Iver, Freya Ridings and David Kushner for this track and the rest of his forthcoming EP, which was co-written and produced with Tom Fuller, Rokeby is set to become the UK’s biggest evocateur of 2024.

Rokeby’s debut single was officially released on February 21st; stream the single on Spotify, and keep the artist on your radar for the launch of his debut EP, which will follow in 2024.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Demmy Sober x Blkswn x PMP – Practice: A Vapoursoul Voyage in Alt-RnB

Posted on 7 March 2024

The Belgian-American singer, Demmy Sober’s latest single, ‘Practice’, featuring Blkswn and produced by PMP, is a mesmerising journey through the heart of alternative R&B and vaporsoul.

The track is a lush landscape of moody synths that cohesively contrast with her ethereally celestial vocal lines which harmonically glide over the trap beats and pulsating progressions, creating an atmosphere thick with reverb and emotion.

Following in the footsteps of The Weeknd, Demmy Sober steps out from any shadows to shine in her own right. Her demurely sensual vocal touch and the intimate, relatable lyrics speak of being a work in progress, something that everyone can relate to on some level.

The single is a testament to Demmy Sober’s evolution as an artist and storyteller, as she prepares to release her album, a project teeming with collaborations and rich in the essence of alternative R&B and vaporsoul.

With achievements like securing spots in Beatport’s TOP 50 Worldwide and iTunes Spain’s top 10, Demmy Sober is no stranger to success. Practice is a continuation of this journey and a track that will undoubtedly resonate with fans and critics alike, marking another milestone in her impressive career.

Practice will hit all major streaming platforms on March 7th; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mercy Vibe – Funkymamabass: A Bold Instrumental Leap into RnB’s Unchartered Waters

Posted on 6 March 2024

Mercy Vibe’s latest single, ‘Funkymamabass‘, is a bold, unorthodox RnB foray. This track, released mere months into her career, showcases a daring blend of soulful melodies and experimental beats, marking her as a trailblazer to keep on your radar.

The single opens with an audacious, distorted intro, reminiscent of a radio lost between stations, before plunging into a rhythmically rich terrain. Mercy Vibe’s mastery in fusing 80s soul with contemporary RnB is evident as she weaves spiritual, transcendent tones into the fabric of the track. The result is a captivating soundscape that both challenges and charms the listener.

‘Funkymamabass’ stands out for its heavy, funk-infused bass lines that anchor the track while the soulful melodies float above, creating a scintillating juxtaposition. This instrumental piece is a testament to Mercy Vibe’s avant-garde approach as she fearlessly navigates through the intersections of RnB and soul.

Mercy Vibe, hailing from the Midwest, brings a fresh perspective to the genre. Her commitment to breaking musical boundaries and her advocacy for copyright protection highlight her as not just an artist, but a visionary in the industry. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to her craft shines through in this release.

While ‘Funkymamabass’ may not align with traditional RnB tastes, it is a must-listen for those who appreciate innovation in music.

Stream Funkymamabass on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast