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.
‘Tus Ojos Café’ is a vibrant contribution to Mexican R&B-soul from one-to-watch Helen Monet. With each chord, it whispers a story of passion. From the first chord, it creates an atmosphere of sensuality and delicacy, enveloping you in an irresistible rhythm that invites you to move gently. It is the perfect piece for any R&B, soul, or Latin funk playlist. With ‘Tus Ojos Café’, music becomes a sensory journey, where each nuance and each harmony transports you to a place of pure auditory ecstasy. Inspired by R&B and Latin music, Helen Monet explores different genres, fusing elements to create a unique musical experience.
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Vancouver-based alt soul artist Matt Storm unveils his latest single ‘APOLOGIZE’, a captivating exploration of darker jazz sounds and psychedelic soul. Mixed by Grammy Award-winning Ben Kane, this release showcases this artist’s mastery of classic production techniques, featuring warbly guitar tones, improvisational flute, and hypnotic keyboard delays. Lyrically, ‘APOLOGIZE’ delves into themes of self-forgiveness and self-discovery, navigating the depths of doubt and depression with introspective poignancy. Sonically, the track delivers a hypnotic groove anchored by pulsating rhythms and ethereal melodies, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. With an upcoming EP titled SPILT, Matt Storm continues to captivate audiences with his introspective songwriting and genre-defying sound.
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L.A.B returns with their latest album, L.A.B VI, marking a culmination of their musical evolution. The album, meticulously crafted over two years, showcases the band’s signature blend of reggae, blues, funk, rock, and electronic elements. Tracks like ‘Give Me That Feeling’ highlight their Motown and soul influences, while singles such as ‘Take It Away’ and ‘Casanova’ infuse funk and electric vibes. With horns from their Wellington musical family, the album offers a dynamic listening experience. Following numerous accolades, including multiple New Zealand Music Awards, L.A.B continues to captivate audiences globally with their vibrant and infectious sound.
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LeGree Shine’s debut single ‘He’s For The Streets’, produced by Local Astronauts, delivers a refreshing blend of classic soul reminiscent of the 80s and 90s era. Hailing from Pensacola, Florida, with roots in Stockton, California, LeGree captivates listeners with her stunning voice, inherited from her legendary musical family, the Ingrams. Influenced by icons like Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, LeGree infuses her soulful style with gospel elements, creating a sound that resonates deeply. ‘He’s For The Streets’ is a powerful anthem for women, addressing the realization of a partner’s shortcomings and the strength to stand up for oneself. LeGree Shine emerges as a voice of empowerment and authenticity in today’s music scene.
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‘Friends First’ is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the complexities of human connection from Julian Roy. Hailing from California, the artist’s musical journey has taken him across the globe, infusing his sound with diverse influences from South-East Asia to South America. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and travels, Julian’s music evokes the soulful vibes of Mac Miller, Frank Ocean, and Chet Faker. The title track of his debut album, ‘Friends First’, captures a raw moment of vulnerability, penned in a reverberant room on the beaches of Puerto Escondido, Mexico. With heartfelt lyrics and emotive production, Julian Roy invites listeners into his world of introspection and emotional resonance.
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‘KEOTR’ marks a triumphant return for the JUNO Award-nominated R&B artist Zenesoul. With lush afropop sensibilities and her signature soulful sound, the artist delivers a powerful alternative R&B masterpiece. Produced by JMS and engineered by Nate Smith, the track exudes uplifting energy as Zenesoul calls on herself and others to stay true to themselves in love and relationships despite surrounding toxicity. The accompanying music video, shot in Lagos, Nigeria, beautifully captures her message of resilience and self-preservation. Zenesoul continues to captivate audiences, inviting listeners on a journey of love, empowerment, and soulful expression.
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Aka Kelzz and Ria Boss share soulful fusion of Ghanaian and UK influences in ‘Mango’, blending mesmerizing vocals with funk-inspired synths and grooves. Aka Kelzz, drawing from Jamaican heritage, infuses gentle melodies and lo-fi beats, offering a soothing escape reminiscent of summer days. Meanwhile, Ria Boss, hailed for her soulful compositions rooted in spirituals and Motown, adds depth and power to the track with her captivating vocals. Together, they craft an irresistible gem that promises to stir emotions and captivate listeners. ‘Mango’ serves as a testament to their musical prowess and sets the stage for their promising journey in the music industry.
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Jhyve’s latest single ‘Love In Me’, featuring Jessie Reyez, marks a poignant moment in Toronto’s R&B scene. With roots in Scarborough and a musical upbringing, Jhyve infuses soulful melodies with the edge of classic rock and textures of 80s and 90s pop. His JUNO-nominated EP, Conversations, showcases his sharp lyricism and commanding presence. ‘Love In Me’ delves into the theme of finding love anew, even after heartbreak. Jessie Reyez, renowned for her emotive performances, adds depth to the track, creating a soul-stirring anthem about resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Together, they craft a musical masterpiece that resonates with listeners’ hearts.
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PURPLE MELON 