R&B and soul are two of those classic sounds that haven’t wavered over the years, instead they’ve continued to evolve and branch out into exciting new frontiers. So without further ado, let’s have a listen.
‘Stuck On You’ is a powerful and emotionally charged ballad that showcases her angelic and soulful voice of Dutch artist Alice Aera. Drawing inspiration from icons like Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill, Alice has crafted her own unique sound, blending R&B and pop elements with organic instrumentation. With ‘Stuck On You’, she captures the complexities of love and longing, delivering heartfelt lyrics and rich vocal melodies that tug at the heartstrings. The song’s hook is particularly impactful, expressing the frustration of being stuck in unrequited love. Alice’s talent shines through as she effortlessly conveys the beauty, pain, and longing that come with matters of the heart.
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Toronto’s own The Free Label has made a name for themselves with their infectious blend of 80s disco and 90s R&B. Now, they’re ready to take on the world with an extensive tour spanning North America, Europe, and South Asia/Japan in 2023. To get fans even more excited, the latest single ‘Shine’ sets the stage for their highly anticipated debut album. Collaborating with Braxton Cook, the band delivers a laidback anthem that celebrates individuality, with smooth grooves and an uplifting message.
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South London artist Raelle is here to enthrall listeners with her soulful pop sound on her new EP, titled Bloodlines. The final track ‘Give Me Some Hope’ is an extra special moments that showcases the artist’s divine vocals, alongside some suitably gentle beats and exquisite orchestration. Self released on Raelle Records, her music goes beyond words and notes, evoking emotions. Inspired by artists like Isaac Hayes, Beach House, Janis Joplin, and Cleo Sol, Raelle’s lyrics create a world of their own, while her harmonies immerse listeners in sweet classic soul.
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Back in n 2022, New York signer-songwriter Kara Ali released ‘Make Our Own Magic’, a self-produced track with collaboration from Brooklyn-based artist and producer Katie Buchanan. Building on this success, Kara’s latest single ‘Heart Finds’ showcases her soulful, deep and jazzy alto vocals accompanied by expressive guitar lines. The song is a hopeful and heartfelt exploration of the fear of missing out on true bliss in life. Fans can look forward to a full EP release in the near future, as Kara Ali continues to deliver introspective and inspiring music.
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Sheer Haimov, an incredibly talented indie singer-songwriter from Israel, presents her latest musical creation, ‘Mascara Run’. It offers a refreshing and intoxicating blend of melodies and lyrics that paint a vivid and lush picture. As the song flows effortlessly, it seamlessly merges with the surrounding airwaves, drawing us in and inviting us to become part of the story. ‘Mascara Run’ possesses a marvelous quality that injects youthful energy into R&B and electro infused pop music. The soundscape is exhilarating and consistently hits the mark, making it a modern-day hit.
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With ‘dyed my hair red’, Faroese artist jazzygold returns with her bewitching soul-pop anthem following the success of her debut single. In this latest sleek and charming banger, this emerging talents explores the second stage of heartbreak: anger. As such, the song takes it’s name from the feeling of wanting to dye your hair a bold, vibrant colour as a symbolic act of rebellion and new beginnings. We adore these raw and honest lyrics, which pair perfectly with her R&B and soul-pop fusion. As a woman of color, Jazzygold aims to be a mirror for the younger generation, inspiring them to see themselves represented in the music industry and to pursue their dreams regardless of their origins.
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London-based artist Hendrix Harris, with his diverse heritage spanning British, Jamaican, and French roots, embraces his borderless identity as an artist. Influenced by his childhood in Havana, Cuba, Harris collaborates with global talents like Cimafunk and Barbaro el Urbano Vargas, showcasing his versatility as a singer, rapper, composer, and producer. His music seamlessly blends genres like R&B, soul, hip-hop, and jazz, featuring unforgettable melodies, a distinctive raspy tone, and poetic songwriting. The highly anticipated Blue EP introduces ‘Katie Jane’, an experimental R&B and alternative soul single delving into the depths of heartbreak. It highlights Harris’ unique voice, honest lyrics, and impeccable production skills. Prepare to be immersed in his enchanting musical universe.
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After a year-long break, LO. returns with her highly anticipated release of 2023, a captivating three-track acoustic EP. Originally featured in a BBC Introducing Live Session in 2022, ‘Government Name’ unveils the poignant narrative of a friend’s relationship filled with hope and anticipation, only to crumble under the weight of disappointment and remorse. Through heartfelt lyrics, LO. masterfully captures the emotional trajectory of this experience, taking listeners on a journey from exhilarating highs to the profound realization that their connection was destined to fade. With her soulful vocals and introspective songwriting, LO. invites us to reflect on the complexities of love and the lessons learned along the way.
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One of India’s leading English-language stars, Ananya Birla, returns with the new single ‘Caught Up’. The song combines vibrant modern R&B, pulsating afrobeat rhythms, and classical Indian elements, which comes together to deliver a world-facing contemporary pop sound. Her sweet vocals juxtapose with the cautionary tale of a toxic relationship, exploring co-dependency and miscommunication. The music video, set within a confined space, symbolizes the constraints of the relationship. Written by Grammy winners Kaydence and Trevor Muzzy, and produced by M.A.R.S., ‘Caught Up’ showcases Ananya Birla’s artistic evolution in a concise and convincing package.
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Boston-raised artist Khamari delivers an authentic R&B experience with his latest single ‘These Four Walls’. The introspective lyrics mirror the somber yet playful instrumentation, capturing the essence of a relationship. Additionally, Khamari recently unveiled his debut album, A Brief Nirvana, on RCA Records. With 11 tracks that serve as a sonic documentary, the album showcases his personal growth and artistic development. Recognized with a nomination for R&B Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards, Khamari is poised for an exciting new chapter in his career. Keep an eye out for his future endeavors as he continues to make his mark in the music industry.
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PURPLE MELON 