Browsing Tag

soul

Dani Enli became the soul-pop supreme with her empowering RnB hit, used to it

Posted on 11 February 2024

Dani Enli’s debut RnB pop release, ‘used to it’, is a revelation in the world of bedroom pop. The Malaysian-Chinese Aussie artist, now an emerging icon in the pop scene, demonstrated swathes of talent that have been eagerly waiting to be unveiled. ‘used to it’ is a bold statement of Enli’s potential to not only hold dominion over the industry but to redefine the pop landscape with her contemporary sonic signature.

The track is a melodious, tonally tender anthem, resonating deeply with anyone who has felt burned by passivity and is ready to reclaim their power or find it for the first time. Enli’s skill as a singer-songwriter shines as she floods her own emotions into the production, ensuring the song unravels as a succinct, sweet, and rhythmically cathartic experience.

Enli’s background as a singer-songwriter, producer, and dancer, coupled with her journey from graduating as a doctor to pursuing her childhood dream in music, adds layers of authenticity and passion to her work. Her songs are not just melodies but vessels of healing and understanding, reflecting the power of music that has always resonated with her.

This track is just the beginning for Dani Enli. As she steps into 2024, poised to be the next pop trailblazer, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation for what she will bring to the table next. If ‘used to it’ is any indication, the future is bright for this talented artist.

used to it was officially released on February 2nd; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell showcased synchronicity of the soul in ‘Date Night’

Posted on 6 February 2024

Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell gave the ultimate 101 on how to keep the spark alive in their collaborative contemporary soul release, Date Night, which busts the myth that dates are only for people trying to lock down a relationship.

As the smoothly impassioned gospel-esque lyrical delivery elucidates, there’s no better way of showing appreciation to your partner than putting them on your arm and giving them attention undivided by the distractions that deplete connections.

The dynamism between Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell in the release couldn’t be stronger as they work together to paint a portrait of romantic idealism over the wavy layers of soul-infused lush reverb. Amorousness oozes from every euphonic pore in this superlative Valentine’s Day hit; yet, the alchemic duo grounded Date Night in a sense of realism, ensuring that by the time the intro rolls around, you won’t be left with a wanton desire for unrealistic expectations.

Date Night debuted on January 26th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ride the ‘Waves’ in Stephanie Michelle’s Latest Spiritually Scintillating Synth Pop-Meets-Soul Release

Posted on 4 February 2024

With all the style of Portishead, the soul of Seal, and the sonic beguile of Erykah Badu, the latest single, Waves, by the RnB visionary Stephanie Michelle draws you into a transcendent connection with something far beyond the self.

The intimate approach to the production created an aural phenomenon that will leave you sinking deeper into the tranquilly euphonic experience as it explores epiphanies that lead you to overcome what no longer serves you. Despite the lyrics leaning into aching emotions, the Detroit-born singer, songwriter, and producer ensured that Waves is as cathartic as watching water rhythmically lap against the shore.

With her influences ranging from Tori Amos to Depeche Mode, and her time spent in a synth-pop band, Stephanie Michelle’s sonic signature is rendered in deeply distinctive calligraphy. If you always want to tune into artists who charter unique paths with their sound, get on board with this phenomenal artist.

Waves is now available to stream on here

Review by Amelia Vandergast

dom ultra – DAYSINBOSTON: From the Streets to the Studio via the Boulevard of Soul

Posted on 1 February 2024

DAYSINBOSTON by the NYC luminary, dom ultra, is a masterful blend of soul and innovation, marking a significant moment in his musical journey, which is about to reach a major milestone with the drop of his upcoming debut project, PRESENTING: ROY HUNTER, which is due for release in March 2024.

The wavy, luxe production transports listeners from the gritty streets of Boston to the heart of his fervently hypnotic creativity. The use of ethereally distorted backing vocals adds an artful, gospel-esque layer to the track, creating a rich, multi-dimensional sound while dom ultra ensnares with the versatility in the lead vox, as he effortlessly shifts from a spoken word cadence to dancehall-ready vox.

The hypnotic distortion around the sample towards the outro amplifies the Bon Iver influence, a nod to dom ultra’s diverse musical inspirations. This element adds a textured, almost dreamlike quality to the track, blending seamlessly with the soulful undercurrents.

Since his early days with Oblivius Music, dom ultra has evolved into an artist who defies genre constraints. DAYSINBOSTON is proof that he’s still riding high on the fumes of his distinctively pioneering flare.

DAYSINBOSTON was officially released on January 19th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

reubencmg looked beyond the surface level of scars in his compassionately raw rap track, Insecure

Posted on 31 January 2024

In his latest single, Insecure, the UK rapper reubencmg opened a narrative on how we can walk through life buried under the weight of our trauma which bears down on everything we do, from how we navigate relationships to what we will passively accept from life’s protagonists who bank on people being bruised enough to tolerate exploitation and humiliation.

With the soul in the backing vocals harmonising behind the George the Poet-esque spoken-word cadence, which adds to the melodiously wavy vibe of Insecure, reubencmg keeps it raw and real while delivering a gritty urban soundscape that people can seek solace within every time they need a reminder that every person you walk past in the street has their own demons to defeat and burdens biting down on their psyche.

Stream Insecure on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Supa Philly – PERCOLATE: A Retro RnB Revival with a Modern Heartbeat

Posted on 29 January 2024

Supa Philly, a band seasoned by decades of musical evolution, returned with their latest single, PERCOLATE, a track that masterfully interweaves the vibrant essence of ’80s synth-pop, funk, and disco into the fabric of R&B.

The song’s essence, deeply rooted in political inspiration, resonates with a message of love and unity, a beacon of hope in today’s fragmented world. Its lyrics, “Life is short… No more hate… Show your love… Percolate,” echo as a mantra for our times, urging listeners to embrace a brighter, more harmonious path.

Supa Philly’s rich heritage, having shared the limelight with legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Monkees, infuses PERCOLATE with a depth and authenticity rarely found in modern music. The blend of experienced voices with fresh, dynamic tones creates a vocal synergy that is both stirring and soulful.

The honed songwriting chops lend a refined yet spirited character to the track as the production melds classic synth lines with contemporary rhythms, crafting a soundscape that is both nostalgically familiar and thrillingly new. The gospel-influenced backing vocals add a layer of majestic depth, reminiscent of the soulful echoes of R&B greats.

As we eagerly await their upcoming release, ANOTHER FOOL (On a Hill), it’s evident that Supa Philly continues to redefine the boundaries of music. This track is an essential listen for those seeking a rejuvenating musical experience and a reminder of the enduring power of unity and love.

Get into the groove with PERCOLATE via 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

Embrace the Chaos of the Soul with Wayne Wei’s Instant RnB Classic, Out of Control

Posted on 21 January 2024

Wayne Wei’s single Out of Control is a timelessly engrossing neo-pop masterpiece. With its staccato chords that luminously shimmer and pop and the enrichment of Wei’s vocal lines which draw you into a world where romanticism and retro timbres coalesce, the track is a testament to Wei’s organic magnetism as a sonic expressionist. The bluesy waltzing melodies lift the spirit beyond any known construct, embodying the essence of Wei’s unique musical vision.

Each element of Out of Control contributes to its overarching allure. The song is a standout track from Wei’s debut EP Cloud Chaser, which encapsulates the beauty found in life’s chaotic moments. Wei’s role as a multi-instrumentalist and producer shines through in this self-produced triumph, highlighting his ability to craft a sound that is both intricate and emotionally resonant.

Describing Out of Control as perfect might seem like hyperbole, but its impact on the mind, soul, body, and rhythmic pulses is undeniable. It’s a track that transcends the boundaries of conventional music, leaving the listener in a state of awe and admiration. Wei’s skill in blending high-calibre production with organic musical elements results in a piece that resonates with the listener long after the final note has played.

Rich in texture and depth, Out of Control promises a bright future for the NY-based Chinese artist. His ability to stay true to his romanticism of retro sounds, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music, makes this track a must-listen for anyone seeking a truly unique musical journey.

Stream Out of Control as part of the Cloud Chaser EP, which hit the airwaves on January 5th on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

London’s Immy Odon gave us the live lounge-y version we never knew we needed of Nelly Furtado’s Say It Right

Posted on 20 January 2024

Stripped-back and soulfully reimagined, Immy Odon’s acoustic RnB pop version of Nelly Furtado’s ‘Say It Right‘ is a revelation; the previously keyboard-driven single, now infused with the warmth of acoustic guitar chords, is elevated to new heights of emotional profoundness. Odon’s rendition is more than a mere cover; it’s a visceral reinvention of every harmony, showcasing her outstanding vocal performance.

Odon achieves what seems impossible: her version of ‘Say It Right’ outshines even the idea of Furtado herself performing it in a BBC Live Lounge setting. The success of Odon’s most popular single to date, ‘Unfreezing’, with over 384,000 streams on Spotify, speaks volumes about her talent and the impact of her music. Her rendition of ‘Say It Right’ is a testament to her unique ability to transform a well-known track into something entirely her own, and something that deeply connects with the listener.

Immy Odon is clearly an artist on an upward trajectory. Her upcoming releases, including several dance tracks, are eagerly anticipated. If they contain even a fraction of the magic found in her version of ‘Say It Right’, they are sure to elevate her status even further in the music world.

Stream the acoustic rendition of Say It Right on Spotify, which was first transmitted on the airwaves on January 12th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Miranda Joy is an icon of graceful beguile in her latest single, Wasting My Time

Posted on 19 January 2024

Miranda Joy brought the proverbial house down with her latest single, Wasting My Time. Her classic approach to songwriting paired with the cutting-edge cultivation which resounds within the sophistication of the production allows her rapidly expanding fanbase to enjoy the best of both worlds as she delivers pure unadulterated emotion filtered through the lens of a relatable vignette.

It isn’t a stretch to say the vast majority of us waste life’s most precious resource as our time becomes trapped in digital vacuums or invested in people who aren’t worthy of our energy or attention, allowing Wasting My Time to unravel as a universally relevant release. The timely unveiling of the single, which coincides with when our motivations to keep resolutions slip, is sure to ensure the success of the single, orchestrated by the London-based luminary, whose voice has filtered through the O2 Academy Islington and graced the bill of The Great Escape Festival.

Her voice, a blend of raw emotion and refined artistry, carries the song with an effortless grace reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s intimate narratives. Yet, there’s a stridency in her delivery, a nod to the iconic power of Prince’s Purple Rain. Even with the loungey adult contemporary elements filtered between the blues and soul layers, the accessibility of the single as Joy commands a panorama of emotions is palpable from the first verse.

Her past collaborations, like the acclaimed I Just Came to Dance with Carmy Love, and her contributions to Peter Beatty’s album, have all been stepping stones to this moment. Wasting My Time is a testament to her growth as an artist and a harbinger of the incredible work we can expect in her upcoming releases.

Wasting My Time is due for official release on January 19; stream it on Spotify. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast