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.
Taking this lead with this week’s Sounds of R&B & Soul collection is Ashton Mills with ‘WALLS’, a captivating R&B offering, marking a compelling chapter in his return. Building on previous release ‘Parallel’, this track unveils a cinematic, emotionally-charged soundscape, enriched by MAJO’s vocals and Aaron Paris’ lush strings. Mills’ independent artistry shines through, with his DIY approach to production and visuals yielding a dreamlike aesthetic that mirrors the song’s emotional depth. ‘WALLS’ masterfully blends vulnerability with ambition, offering a tantalizing glimpse into his upcoming album. It’s a testament to his multidisciplinary talent, solidifying his position as a unique force in Toronto’s R&B scene and defying expectations for independent artists.
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‘So I Better Dance’ is a soulful, summery groove that turns emotional pain into empowerment. Blending neo-soul, contemporary R&B, and indie-pop, the Vienna-based artist Kathi Atz brings heartfelt honesty to a story of romantic frustration, falling for emotionally unavailable men. Instead of dwelling in heartbreak, Kathi chooses liberation through rhythm, pairing her warm, jazz-inflected vocals with breezy acoustic textures and an irresistible pre-chorus featuring a standout saxophone riff. Produced by Mondy, the track is both cathartic and catchy, a perfect soundtrack for healing on the dancefloor. It’s a confident, feel-good step forward from an artist to watch.
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Combining contemporary R&B with indie-pop, Eliana Rachel’s debut single ‘Done With This Fight’ is a tender, emotionally raw introduction that showcases her rich, soulful vocals and theatrical sensitivity. The track explores themes of exhaustion, self-preservation, and emotional release. Its mellow instrumentation allows Eliana’s voice to take center stage, delivering a heartfelt performance that feels both intimate and universally relatable. With roots in musical theatre and live performance, she brings a refined sense of dynamics and storytelling to her sound. ‘Done With This Fight’ marks a promising start, hinting at an exciting evolution toward bolder, more contemporary sonic territory.
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SV & Alyssa Jane’s ‘Our Game’ is a smooth, heartfelt slice of contemporary R&B and neo-soul with a Sade-like elegance. The duo’s fifth single of 2025 delivers a hypnotic blend of SV’s lush, understated production and Alyssa Jane’s velvety, emotive vocals. Lyrically, it captures the bittersweet clarity of moving on from a relationship, balancing melancholy with empowerment. The track’s warm bass, delicate percussion, and soulful phrasing invite listeners into a late-night, candlelit mood. It’s the kind of song that lingers long after it ends, timeless, intimate, and effortlessly sophisticated, cementing SV & Alyssa Jane as a pairing with undeniable chemistry and depth.
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Ana November delivers on her promise to create a track that is both joyful and infectious in her latest single ‘Good Time’. Drawing inspiration from her 90s R&B roots, the song effortlessly blends retro soul vibes with a fresh, contemporary feel. The production is clean and upbeat, driven by a groove that makes it impossible to sit still. Ana’s smooth vocals are the perfect invitation to let loose and enjoy the company of everyone around you. This is a feel-good anthem designed to lift spirits and get people moving. A genuinely good time, indeed.
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With a voice that blends vulnerability and quiet fire, Tamera King turns heartbreak into empowerment, delivering a message for anyone who’s been wronged but refuses to crumble. ‘Either Way’ is a confident, soulful declaration of self-worth wrapped in sleek R&B production. The track’s smooth groove and subtle harmonies provide the perfect backdrop for her razor-sharp lyrics, balancing emotional honesty with unshakable poise. ‘Either Way’ is a victory lap for reclaiming your power from a voice of strength and grace. Tamera King can make resilience sound as alluring as romance itself.
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Neo-soul force Adi Oasis teams up with Brazilian duo YOÙN on the delightful track ‘Cheirinho.’ A true collaboration born from sessions in Rio and NYC, the song is a vibrant fusion of cultures and sounds. It expertly blends Adi’s signature feel-good soul and funk with YOÙN’s R&B sensibilities and sun-soaked Brazilian guitar riffs. The result is an effortlessly laid-back dose of sunshine. ‘Cheirinho’ is a testament to the power of cross-continental artistry, offering a warm and joyful preview of Adi’s upcoming tour. It’s a genuinely heartwarming listen.
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Bringing together 2000s-inspired R&B warmth with modern dance-pop energy, ‘Run’ is a vibrant, empowering pop anthem from Nadia Younes. Co-written with Thomas M.L. Ravago, the track pulses with driving bass, slick guitar, and Nadia’s commanding vocals, delivering a message of self-trust and breaking free from constraints. Equal parts catchy and clever, ‘Run’ pairs its uplifting narrative with playful, relatable lyricism, making it both a personal empowerment statement and a sync-ready bop. Nadia Younes’ confident performance radiates charm, weaving resilience with a wink of humor. It’s the kind of track that makes you move—and reminds you to take the lead in your own story.
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Teaming up with Grammy-winning producer Benny Cassette and songwriter 8AE, Kru delivers a powerful dose of raw, contemporary R&B in her single ‘Bad At Forgiving. Capturing emotional vulnerability, Kru’s smooth vocals glide over a rich, layered production, creating an intimate soundscape that feels both reflective and deeply relatable. The song’s title hints at a darker, more introspective side of the artist, a contrast to her uplifting anthems. It’s a compelling piece of storytelling that showcases her talent not just as a vocalist, but as an artist willing to explore complex emotions with honesty and style.
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Opening with sweeping, cinematic strings, ‘Weak’ immediately draws listeners into its tender core before the pulse of UK garage percussion ignites an undercurrent of urgency. Kali Claire’s silky, emotive vocals glide effortlessly over this backdrop, capturing the ache of missing someone while chasing dreams far from home. The production’s contrast mirrors the push-and-pull of ambition and love, making ‘Weak’ both intimate and danceable. It’s a soulful, modern anthem that proves Kali Claire can channel deep feeling into rhythm, creating music that resonates as much on the dance floor as in the heart.
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Myllo and Zelus Ex reunite for their collaborative single ‘Burned’, a dark and pulsating R&B-pop anthem. The track expertly captures the chaotic emotional aftermath of a breakup, with Myllo’s evocative vocals painting a picture of post-heartache defiance. Zelus Ex’s production creates a moody, atmospheric soundscape filled with shadowy synths and a driving beat. The song is a powerful and cathartic revenge fantasy, perfectly suited for fans of artists like BANKS. Accompanied by a self-directed music video from Myllo, ‘Burned’ solidifies this duo’s talent for creating hypnotic, late-night soundscapes with genuine emotional depth.
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PURPLE MELON 