Erro gives us the perfect start to 2014 by releasing his new single ‘Anymore’, a soulful infectious track about the breakdown of a relationship, it has an old school vibe with Erro’s contemporary twist. The single is the first release from his upcoming album ‘B-Sides, Features & Heartaches’, a collection of previously unreleased singles and songs by other artists which Erro features on, set for release on February 4th. He then promises to release his 9th studio album featuring all new material later in the year.
Enjoy the new track and for those of you in and around London, you can catch Erro performing live at Clapham Grand on Friday 7th February. He is one of the best performers I’ve seen, outstanding vocals, amazing band, he’s humble, really interactive with the crowd and he’s got jokes too – a 2014 must for Soul and RnB fans!
Occasionally great albums go unnoticed and are missed for some reason, I have just discovered one of the best albums I’ve heard all year which was released last month but seems to have been widely overlooked- ‘Saint Heron.‘ It’s a compilation album released by Solange Knowle’s label; Saint Records and features 11 independent artists including Solange herself, Sampha, Cassie and Jhene Aiko.
This is no ordinary compilation, it is organic RnB; soulful and eclectic, every track is unique in style yet they all compliment each other beautifully. It is a great showcase of emerging talent in the genre and has led me to discover artists I hadn’t previously heard like BC Kingdom and Kelela, it also shows Cassie taking her music in a much more soulful, mature direction so looking forward to new material from her.
There is an energy about the album that’s exhilarating, these artists are all making their music their way and it acts as a teaser leaving you wanting more from all of them. If you want to here something fresh and soulful get a copy of Saint Heron now – it will not disappoint!
One of the highlights for me on Drake’s Nothing Was the Same
album is ‘From Time’, because aside from the fact it’s a great track it features an
artist called ‘Jhene Aiko’ who I had never heard of before. I was amazed at how
distinctive, almost haunting her voice was on the track and couldn’t wait to
hear her solo material.
‘Sail Out’, the first EP from Jhene Aiko recently dropped
and it did not disappoint. It contains 7 tracks, all of which Jhene wrote,
every one individual in style and lyrical content. What struck me the most upon
my first listen is how unlike anything I’d heard before ‘Sail Out’ is, it’s
soulful but with a hip hop edge to it and I cannot liken the sound to any other
artist or even put it in a genre. Jhene uses lyrical content that typically you
would hear from male artists, singing, ‘Can I hit it again’, ‘Gotta get this
paper’ and ‘We Should Just get Naked’, which adds to her individuality as she
brings an undeniable assertiveness on her tracks.
Production on the EP is flawless, all tracks except one owing credits to the still relatively unheard of duo, ‘Fisticuffs’
who have so far worked almost exclusively with Miguel and Jhene I cant wait to
hear more tracks from these guys!
When I listened to the EP the most overriding impression I
was left with is that I was listening to an artist; this woman clearly knows
exactly the type of music she wants to make and is making it refusing to adhere to genres or stereotypes. ‘Stay Ready’ is my favourite track on ‘Sail Out’ and it takes a superior level of
confidence to record a track as a new
artist with the hottest name in hip hop; Kendrick Lamar. The track is stunning;
lyrically and musically complex, changing tempo and sound half way through and
at 6 minutes long Jhene risks some DJs not giving it radio air time which again
just reinforces the confidence she has in her creativity.
This alluring EP is a must listen for any soul / neo-soul /
RnB or hip hop fans. Jhene’s style is so unique that I think it will divide
listeners; you’ll either love it or not really get it, but if you don’t get it
I would challenge you to not acknowledge her talent and artistry. I cant wait
for her album to drop next year, bringing this level of talent to the table on
a first EP is an exceptional achievement and something tells me this is just a
small sample of what Jhene Aiko is capable of!
Hey Soulquarians,
time to let y’all know about something sweet n soulful on the horizon.
One of my favourite artists, Slakah the Beatchild is about to deliver a slice of killer songs and beats in the form of Soul Movement Vol II
In his own words…The Idea behind the Soul Movement series has always been to patiently assemble the best of Slakah the Beatchilds production and marry them with fellow artists that he admires.
Watch out for collaborations with fellow Canadian soulsters Ayah and Glenn Lewis and be prepared for that trademark silky smooth production and vocals from the man himself.
Soul Movement Vol II is due for release early January 2014
In the meantime enjoy this slice of retro video niceness.
If you’ve forgotten what funky soul sounds like then the brilliant debut album from Lady is here to remind you what it’s all about.
UK soul-singer Terri Walker & American Nicole Wray make up the group & their first project combines retro soul with bang-up-to-date R&B vibes for a fresh & individual sound.
Their stunning voices compliment each other perfectly & their talent is truly undeniable. It’s great to hear something a little bit different to the usual chart R&B/Soul sound & it’s still catchy enough to get your head nodding & your feet tapping!
The self-titled album from Lady is out now on iTunes. DOWNLOAD HERE
Soulful R&B songstress Juliyaa is making ‘waves’ right now with the release of her distinctive debut EP “Stars & Dragons”
The EP title represents her cultural heritage – the ‘Black Star’ of Ghana & the ‘Red Dragon’ of Wales. These influences shine through in her music & lyrics, giving you the perfect introduction to this fun-loving yet contemplative artist.
Juliyaa’s beautiful vocals & sublime harmonies unite with both lively Urban beats & more traditional soulful sounds to showcase her very own style that she calls ‘Rhythmic Soul’. The 6 track EP features notable production from UK beat-makers Basil Hanson, Antony On The Beat & Mo-Keyz.
The first single “Tidal Wave” has an energetic flavour, with crashing beats & dubstep elements which are delightfully refreshing to hear from a soul-inspired female singer. Download “Stars & Dragons” for free & take a look at the captivatingly cool video for “Tidal Wave” below.
Miss Jen (@MissJenOfficial)
Check out Cali based singer-songwriter Lucille Ghatti who just recently put out a new track from her forthcoming project High Grade, which features Odd Future/The Internet affiliated Tay ‘Lux’ Walker. I’m feeling this track, entitled “North Hollywood”…
Hey soulsters,
here’s a little something special i had the privilege of playing first on my R&B show a little way back.
The fantastic Bristolian singer /songwriter Tanya Lacey drops a smooth gem on em, recruiting the word skillz of Kano on the remix just to enhance what was already an absolute peach of a tune.
The video has now landed so check it and get ready to cop the single when it drops July 23rd
Blessness
RH
