Heartfelt integrity through a stripped-back, evocative acoustic realm. Piano and vocals simply paired, melody and emotion intertwined for something raw, real, and compelling. AD9 starts up an engaging and memorable EP, with the beautifully moving hip hop and RnB-fusing gem Sticking It Out.
RnB
From introspective ambient indie to RnB and ethereal afropop – Viveeyan is an artist whose voice and songwriting resound amidst an eclectic, intimate production realm.
Soul-Pop vocals and mellow production, harmonies and heartfelt sentiments – Stay In My Arms marks a distinct introduction to the contemporary audio project of Maurice Norwood.
Poetry Amaru’s lyrics are second to none, a focused delivery holding closely to the details and realism of this journey. We get a tribal wind instrument on the front line, distinct and calming, then a female RnB vocal softly breaking up the poetic weight and poignancy of the verses.
As the romantic journey gathers momentum, so too does the performance and musical euphoria, making this a personal but accessible love song for modern listeners across the board – the ‘our song’ of the current indie realm, ready and waiting.
“I wrote it from a place of realizing how loud the world can be, even when you are alone, and how easy it is to confuse anxiety with intuition. The EP is my way of choosing something quieter but stronger, the voice underneath the chaos.”
From the EP of the same name, SOMETIMES I FEEL introduces the melodic and introspective artistry of Sollars in a way that’s both evocative and catchy.
Old-school RnB vibes bring a pop-fusion anthem akin to the days of Destiny’s Child. Wizherd changes lanes intensely this season, for the catchy groove and snappy vocal confidence of Vroom.
Having grown up in Jersey City, Juan Marcos Nieves – known to the scene as ROCKY – notes an eclectic background, immersed in music since just twelve years old. His passions for dancing and rapping alike led him towards an artistic identity that’s unquestionable, and as such, his original music reaches tens of thousands of listeners every month.
Everything is subtle but effective – the production and vocal shifts, the central contrast from one section to the next. It’s modesty and artistry intertwined, and it speaks volumes on behalf of the intentions and values of Aaron Lerer and 1526 Records.
Bridging the gap between nostalgic RnB and modern trap and hip hop, Wizherd captures a sound both familiar and fresh, with the smooth vocals and summer-ready groove of Hey DJ.
With Zkrrt’s previous albums, there was something of a new-starter vibe to many of the pop-like arrangements and songwriting transitions. In my view, this latest project has completely overcome that, showcasing a defiant attention to detail and mood that’s intoxicating from one track to the next. The original style and inspiration remains, the reasons for making music stand tall, but the focus, the understanding, and the willingness to move an audience, have only let the style and sound grow stronger and more alluring.