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.
‘Lifeline’ is our favourite track from Miriam Nyarko’s debut EP, The Journey, which is a powerful exploration of faith, struggle, and redemption. The four-track project reflects on the highs and lows of life’s journey, seamlessly blending jubilation with contemplation. Inspired by Biblical verses, the EP takes listeners through moments of feeling overwhelmed by life’s storms, ultimately finding solace in the “living water” symbolizing her connection with her faith. Elsewhere on the EP, there’s the opening track ‘Drowning’, sets the tone with raw vulnerability, ‘Mine (Oh Father)’ delves into grief and identity, and ‘Built On You’ underscores her unwavering belief. While ‘Lifeline’ becomes a universal anthem of hope and fervent worship. Miriam Nyarko’s soulful and emotive vocals resonate deeply, making The Journey EP a profound release.
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Produced by the legendary Mark J. Feist, ‘The Ring’ is an empowering synth-pop anthem from rising artist Shanice. This upbeat track is all about embracing confidence and self-worth, delivering a positive message that encourages everyone to shine and draw attention to themselves. Shanice’s voice is a sweet yet powerful instrument, reminiscent of a blend between Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. Her music reflects her diverse influences, including pop, R&B, 80s music, and jazz, drawing inspiration from artists like Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Cullum, and Hozier. ‘The Ring’ exudes good energy and strength, making it an infectious and uplifting pop gem that’s bound to resonate with listeners.
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As the closing track of K Folks’ recent album, ‘friday morning’ is full of feel-good vibes that are perfect for starting the day on a positive note. With a catchy melody, enchanting harmonies, and impeccable engineering, K Folks creates an immersive sonic experience that’s hard to resist. The song’s sonic landscape is a testament to his talent as a singer, songwriter, and engineer. ‘friday morning’ is undeniably infectious, making it impossible for listeners to resist singing along. The accompanying music video adds an extra layer of charm to this uplifting piece. K Folks’ track is a ray of musical sunshine that brightens any morning. It’s a delightful wake-up call for both the body and soul.
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At the other end of the weekend, ‘Monday Morning’ is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of grief and the profound impact it has on our lives from Australian songwriter and producer cln. It deep dives into the emotional turmoil of loss, creating a sonic landscape that’s as raw as it is ethereal. With influences reminiscent of Joji, James Blake, and Bon Iver, cln crafts a unique blend of alternative-R&B and indie-pop, setting the stage for his introspective lyricism to shine. The minimalist production allows each element to breathe, emphasizing the song’s poignant message. ‘Monday Morning’ is a soul-stirring testament to cln’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music.
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Cool Company’s single ‘Miss Behavior’ is a funky and pop-infused display of indie R&B and alt hip-hop that exudes a playful and energetic vibe. With influences reminiscent of Anderson Paak, the song tells a relatable tale of embracing a carefree attitude. The lyrics capture a familiar story of self-discovery and letting loose, summed up in the lines, “Forget everything I said. I’m back on my bullshit.” Cool Company’s blend of spirited basslines and infectious grooves, combined with the enigmatic character of the song’s protagonist, sets the stage for a lively and engaging musical experience. ‘Miss Behavior’ has quickly earned recognition thanks to the track’s undeniable appeal and cool vibes. Cool Company invites listeners to join the party and enjoy the carefree spirit of ‘Miss Behavior’.
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Presenting a fresh and dynamic fusion of R&B, afrobeat, and a pop sensibility, Adanna Duru’s releases new single ‘if i was a boy ;)’. Her collaboration with producers Khris Riddick-Tynes and Rob Bisel results in a vibrant, empowering anthem that adds a contemporary twist to classic inspirations like Beyoncé’s ‘If I Were a Boy’ and Ciara’s ‘Like a Boy’. The track’s humorous yet pointed lyrics touch on the disappointments women often experience in relationships, offering a playful outlet for these emotions. Adanna’s ability to balance engaging, lighthearted delivery with meaningful social commentary makes ‘if i was a boy ;)’ a standout track, heralding her upcoming NAPPY HOUR II EP.
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Kingsley Q’s latest track’Moving Forward’ is a dynamic and thought-provoking fusion of alt-pop and R&B, rich with expressive vocals and live instrumentation. With lyrics that explore the journey of self-discovery, the track showcases Kingsley Q’s versatility as an artist. Co-written, mixed, and mastered by LLUCID, the song delves into the theme of progress, symbolizing personal growth and exploration. Clocking in at a concise 2 minutes and 45 seconds, the song’s energetic sound is both daring and refreshing, emphasizing Kingsley Q’s evolution as a musician. ‘Moving Forward’ is a compelling glimpse into his distinctive sound and innovative approach to genre-blending.
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PURPLE MELON 