Tag Archives: R&B

Check Her Out: Alissia

Multi-disciplinary musician Alissia is making her debut from behind the boards as a producer. The funk and R&B-tinged “Get Away” video is out now — with the full support of Alissia’s number one fan, the inimitable Bootsy Collins, who raves, “I’m digging Alissia’s new song because it makes me want to pull up a chair and sit with you, baba!”

This young woman has enough talent to have been called to produce, play bass, write and arrange on Bootsy Collins’ upcoming album World Wide Funk, also featuring the likes of Kali Uchis, Bernie Worrell, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh and Musiq Soulchild. “Working with Bootsy has been an incredible journey and definitely a challenge to push myself harder everyday. Definitely one of the most inspiring projects I have worked on. ‘You got to keep it funky at all times Baba!’”

In addition, Alissia has also been in collaboration with Khalid, Q-Tip, Anderson Paak, Havoc, and more. Given the company she keeps at her Soho-based studio dubbed “The Spaceship,” it’s certain that this young bass prodigy-turned-producer is primed to begin the next chapter in her musical career.

Her latest track “Get Away” carries listeners from hip-hop to disco to funk and beyond. The mood is chill and the groove is locked. Expect more from Alissia this year; whether solo, collaborating with the greats, or teaming up with new talent, she consistently proves that whatever music she creates just feels right.

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Newest Love: Kamaliza

 

Sydney artist Kamaliza has released a rather powerful and lyrically charged track called “Zanzibar”.

Having decided to quit his office job and pursue music full time, Kamaliza is wide-eyed and ready for whatever the future holds.

Inspiration is key when creating music and that was no exception for Kamaliza as he wrote this song.

I woke up feeling extra inspired one morning in mid-January this year. It took me about five hours to complete the bulk of the song; when a song writes itself so quickly it’s usually a great sign. Most importantly is that I felt so emotionally connected to the song.

Beginning with a whimsical flow of R&B electronica, the song develops into a multi-layered work of rich productions colored in with percussive rhythms and scorching synths.

I used a mixture of software and hardware to get it done and recorded it in my home studio in Western Sydney. I played the song a couple of days later at my first gig under Kamaliza and it got such a great response, so that added fuel for me to polish the song.

Given Kamaliza’s recent career change, there’s no wonder the song blossomed from personal experience and feelings.

The song is about taking the next step in the direction you feel you were destined for, even if that means saying goodbye to those that you care about. I believe there are unknown forces that guide us; in this tangible world of science and fact, it’s the unknown that I’m learning to trust.

To compliment the track, Kamaliza teamed up with Cape & Monocle to create a narrative-based video that continued on from their previous project “Zermatt”.

There was a scene where a robot was used. We wanted to build off that scene and this time create a narrative to go along with it. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where technology has consumed society entirely. Our main character is a robot searching for something that has been missing from their life.

 

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Must Listen: Bobby Saint – Unholy

“Bobby Saint hopes to change the game with his forthcoming Unholy EP”  AFROPUNK
“Sweet vocals over a sparkling beat”  – Pigeons & Planes
“It’s saucy. It’s sexy. It’s beautiful”VICE/Noisey
“Outlandish, soulful”  – Indie Shuffle
“Sensual” HYPEBEAST

Bobby Saint captivates on Unholy, his debut solo EP out today on Shoot To Kill Music. The collection sees Saint flex his vast musical chops (from songwriting to production and all things in between) as he explores the interplay between the divine and the profane.

Title track “Unholy” sees the Barbados-born, LA-based artist twang with sinful playfulness over blues-rock attitude. Saint funks out on “Use It,” meshing a bouncy, R&B-tinged bassline with pop-infused neo-soul. It’s followed by the appropriately titled “Sexy,” a libidinous R&B romp that drips of love, lust, and desire, which recently premiered via Afropunk.

“This EP is about freedom, growth, spirituality, views of self, city nights and love. It’s about keeping the fires lit, raising consciousness, while bowing down to the greats: Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye. This is me going forward with only love and the funk in my heart.”  – Bobby Saint

On “Big Shoes,” a confident Saint struts with gusto as he mixes piercing piano balladry with blossoming crescendos amidst a cinematic backdrop backed by powerfully soulful vocals. Closer “Fire & Gold” turns an acoustic beauty into a full-fledged, undeniable rock with swagger.

Armed with a versatile voice, powerful stage presence, a unique lyrical perspective, and raw, unfettered talent, Bobby Saint is not just one to watch; he’s one to watch out for.

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Newest Love: Lucas Nord

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photo credit: Adéle Askelöf

Lucas Nord is a 24 year old producer and singer from Stockholm that’s already got a number one single — “Run On Love” featuring Tove Lo in 2013 (see video below). Now he’s got another one coming with his second album Company, called “Do About It” with Naomi Pilgrim. The song includes pop, R &B and house all rolled up into a burrito.

Speaking about the track Lucas said: “When I came up with the idea of having a feature on this record Naomi instantly came to mind. She has that soulful touch I’m always looking for. We have known each other for a while and have discussed doing some kinda collab in the past so when this came up I think we both felt it was the right time to do it. I’m very, very excited for it to finally come out.”

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Check ‘Em Out: Rayvon Owen

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From Richmond, Virginia comes a new pop/R&B artist who is ready to share his music and message with the world. For as long as he can remember, Rayvon Owen has dreamed of a life dedicated to a music career.

Rayvon began his music career at a very young age singing in choirs, touring with gospel artists and performing in local musicals. He continued to pursue a performance career while studying Commercial Music at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. While in Music City; Rayvon began crafting his skills in writing and performing around town at popular events, venues, clubs and showcases.

Influenced by legendary artists such as Lionel Richie, John Legend, Katy Perry, and Stevie Wonder; Rayvon has developed his own voice as a powerful performer and reflective songwriter.  Rayvonʼs goal is to entertain his listeners and create an immersive experience that leaves his audience inspired. Through hard work and dedication, Rayvon has a bright and promising future ahead of him.

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Listen: Rayvon Owen – “Rescue”

The singer has released his latest single “Rescue.” Co-written by Ryan Key, the front man for Yellowcard, and Steve Aiello from 30 Seconds to Mars, and produced by Seth Jones, the track offers big production and bigger vocals reminiscent of Usher’s “Without You.”

The track seamlessly blends together elements of electronic, R&B, pop, and dubstep to create a pop anthem perfect for any time. Rayvon’s EP Cycles is set to release in August. 

Bonus Listen: Check out “Never Knew Ya” below

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Listen: Rayvon Owen – “Never Knew Ya”

 

 

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Check ‘Em Out: denitia and sene

Brooklyn-based denitia and sene have mastered the fine art of soulful sensuality with their luscious, smooth-as-silk sound. The duo’s intoxicating music effortlessly melds elements of electronic, hip hop, R&B & soul in equal doses- a reflection of Denitia Odigie & Sene’s respectively diverse musical backgrounds. In addition to a Red Bull single & video collaboration on the horizon, denitia and sene have just announced the release of their his and hers LP on vinyl, out February 11!

his and hers LP cut Casanova,” is a deliciously addictive number that features the intertwining silky vocals of the duo in a “his-and-hers” battle of the hearts. Another stellar LP single, trip. fall.” was transformed into an evocative live video with the help of Brooklyn collective BKLYN1834, as part of their hand-curated BKLYN AIR series. Matching the sultry dynamic of the song, the video portrays the pair in an intimate hotel room – Denitia’s stirring vocals stripped down as she sings from the shower, and Sene providing the instrumentation.

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Check ‘Em Out: Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes

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Already breakout stars in their native Australia, Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes, who fuse a unique blend of soul, blues, doo-wop, jazz and R&B with Clairy’s powerful, soulful vocals at the forefront–have signed with the U.S. label Vanguard Records and will release their debut album Baby Caught The Bus on May 21. Their first single “Love Letter” is now #1 Most Added at Triple A Radio this week, while Baby Caught The Bus climbs to #15 Most Added. “Love Letter” also hit Amazon’s “Hot Singles: 20 Songs We’d Like to Date”.  The band will have their Tuesday, April 9th Los Angeles, CA show at The Troubadour taped for future airing on an episode of NBC TV’s “Last Call With Carson Daly.” On Thursday, April 11, they’ll perform live on Los Angeles’ KCSN “Afternoon Music Mix with Sky Daniels.” That can be heard in the greater Los Angeles area on 88.5fm or around the world online at www.kcsn.org.

Baby Caught The Bus is gaining strong praise from the media, in his album review for No Depression, Grant Britt declared, “Melbourne’s Clairy Brown & The Bangin’ Rackettes is the best stuff to come along in decades. This thing opens with a bang. ‘Love Letter’ leaps out at you like a Stax 45, blowing you back to the ‘60s through a funky time warp. Baby Caught The Bus is a treasure trove for r&b lovers, a ‘60s time capsule, a show and dance ensemble concept  that’s been away far too long. Import this one to your collection immediately for maximum satisfaction.”
The group just launched their U.S. tour at SXSW in Austin and are already blowing away U.S. audiences. In his live review for Bust Magazine at SXSW, writer Christian Detres described the group’s performance “With a peal of trumpet and a trill on a snare, Clairy Browne and her girls ginned up a stompy 60s revival that had the crowd dancing and spilling their vodka lemonades all over the floor.”
Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes first gained international attention when “Love Letter” was featured in Heineken’s award-winning campaign The Switch and has surpassed 1 million views online!

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New Music: Steven A. Clark

There is always that one that got away and Steven A. Clark’s soul filled track “Seashore” off his upcoming album Fornication Under the Consent of the King (due on on September 11)represents just that.  Clark tells Rolling Stone, who just premiered “Seashore,” that the track is a metaphor for losing someone and just hoping they’d come back. I’m at fault for losing her, yet I long for her to return to me like the waves. I wrote this song while living in a windowless warehouse thinking about my ex and watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on repeat.”

Last week Steven also shared his video for “Don’t Have You,” which was directed by Unkleluc. Steven A. Clark disclosed that the “song is a confession to my ex, it’s all the things I didn’t say to her when I had her.” The video represents Steven moving forward in his life by burning the memories with her from his past.

Alongside Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, the Fayetville, North Carolina native is a top forerunner in the Future RnB movement, spearheading a confident and new type of indie-rock and hip hop infused rhythm and blues that belies their young age. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Clark’s songwriting reflects his absolute acceptance of the effects of love, including the adoration and despise, bliss and pain, and drinking and drugs. Building on the self-produced, written, and performed sound of STRIPES, Clark takes his synth-kissed sound one step beyond, cutting away niceties and digging into the core of his personal afflictions with F.U.C.K.

Clark is adding some needed seasoning to R&B, handling his own production, songwriting and recording. Like his peers, the musical artisan croons gut-busting lyrics about his personal life. But it’s his artistry that’s more vast, incorporating rap, R&B and funk into his skin-burrowing confections.

Trace it back to his matriculating at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, where he found solace in relationship therapy through singing. He put collegiate life on the backburner in his junior year, chasing his musical dreams down to Miami where he cut his teeth working in a professional recording studio and set initial groundwork for STRIPES. But it was when he began recording F.U.C.K., that he finally learned to let go.

Download: Steven A. Clark – “Seashore”

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Outasight – “Figure 8”

 

Click image to listen to "Figure 8"

New York native Outasight follows up his acclaimed Never Say Never mixtape with a 5-song EP, Figure 8, slated for an April 26th release. Beginning Monday, April 25th, Outasight will be offering up the EP as a free download in exchange for an email address on his web properties and on April 26th, the EP will be for sale on at iTunes, Amazon and all digital retailers. Figure 8 is a pop-tinged achievement of rap and R&B, vividly complimented by Outasight’s observant lyrics and laidback harmonies.

The instrumental element of the EP reflects an appreciation for detailed production, densely layered with organs, guitars and percussion combined with the synths and heavy, mid-tempo drums that anchor the sound in hip-hop. The sonically rich canvases, supplied by Cook Classics, The Knox, and Matt Max and polished to a sheen by mixing engineer Chris Carmouche (Big Boi, Outkast), are the perfect
backdrop for Outasight’s casually contemplative ruminations on the widely relatable, alternately rapped and sung.

Listen to “Figure 8”

Tracklist:

1. So What (Produced by Cook Classics)
2. Figure 8 (Produced by Matt Max)
3. Maybe Next Time (Produced by Cook Classics)
4. Life or Something Like It (Produced by The Knocks)
5. Everyday (Produced by Cook Classics)

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