Browsing Tag

Independent RnB

Dekovian Rashad Scorched Through the Conflict of Heartbreak in the Soul-Mined Resonance of ‘Torn’

Posted on 17 May 2025
https://soundcloud.com/officialrashadmusic/torn-4?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=1c9641e3d4ce40019d78e32f2dca0d15

Dekovian Rashad unravelled the visceral fallout of romantic warfare in his latest single, ‘Torn’; a sonic storyboard of conflicted heartstrings, written through retro R&B aesthetics and polished contemporary production, as a courtesy of Thomas Coleman and Chris Byron, who stepped in to mix the scorned vignette of how serenades can all too easily lead to dodging grenades in the minefield of the soul.

The 23-year-old Athens, Georgia-based artist proves that when musical legacy runs through the bloodline, it ignites the creative spark until it starts an inferno. Raised in a family of musicians, Dekovian soaked up every note of soul, rhythm, and harmony from his grandfather and great uncles before finding his voice at seven and carving out his own blueprint in the genre. Inspired by the emotional architecture of Brandy, Aaliyah, Usher, and Tank, Rashad etched out his sound through the mould of tradition while letting his own vulnerability sculpt the contours.

With the resonance of the layered R&B harmonies and the guitar riffs that cut in towards the outro, ‘Torn’ carves through the decades while staying timeless. The outro sample of a voicemail saying, “I wish it was me”, amplifies the weight of the impassioned track, which effortlessly triumphs in illustrating how matters of the heart can swallow us whole.

‘Torn’ is now available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Breaking the Silence with 6am – An Interview on Growth and Genre-Bending

Posted on 12 May 2025

If you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when persistence shapes poetry, Toronto-hailing artist 6am is your answer. With roots in freestyling and battle rap, and a release schedule that would exhaust most, 6am opens up about what keeps his pen sharp, his melodies evolving, and his truth wrapped in carefully coded lyricism. In this interview, he talks about why freestyling remains crucial to his creative process, how his city fuels his dualistic sound, and what it takes to turn self-doubt into vocal strength. From his recent drop For the Better to his ambition of building beats from the ground up, 6am is an artist who refuses to stall creatively—or emotionally.

You cut your teeth freestyling and in battle rap circles—what do you think that background gave you as an artist that still shows up in your studio work today?

In terms of process, I start most of my songs by freestyling to get a concept and/or melody before actually writing the song. Sometimes I end up freestyling entire verses and hooks, and we just keep them as is because of how raw the energy is – it becomes a useful tool when I’m in writer’s block as well because I don’t have a chance to overthink what I say. In terms of mindset, it’s my relentlessness and ability to prepare for a session – once you have practised and rehearsed something so many times, you can adapt to the feelings you have in the moment while maintaining the vision. 

You’ve been releasing music since 2016, but your recent tracks like Blessings and TonyinLA feel like they hit a deeper emotional register—what’s changed for you creatively over the years?

Music is a craft that is impossible to fully master. So I don’t believe in a plateau. As I continue to hone in on my work, I continuously get better at conveying my emotions, whether that be sadness, euphoria, or showcasing the rougher edges of my personality. Nothing has changed in terms of my creativity; I’ve just gotten better at the craft 

A lot of your lyrics are drawn straight from personal experience. Is there ever a line you hesitate to cross when it comes to putting your life in your music, or is transparency a rule for you?

I rarely get that feeling because I’ve learnt to be cryptic with my messaging. If I feel like I’m going to say something that may have repercussions, I’ll make sure it’s presented with a bow on it. 

You’ve spoken about the rawness of Toronto shaping your sound. Can you tell us a bit about what it means to channel both the beauty and the betrayal of your city into your storytelling?

A major component in what shapes my mantra is balance, and Toronto is something that showcases both sides of the spectrum at the most polarizing degrees – the weather is a great example of that. It’s what shapes the people who live here. And you can see how multifaceted many of the artists that have come out of here are – Drake, The Weeknd, Tory Lanez. I believe the polarity is a reason why we have so many great artists coming out of the city. 

It’s rare to see an artist commit to dropping music every two weeks—what pushed you to take on that level of consistency, and how are you keeping it sustainable?

NOT SUSTAINABLE LOL

There’s a strong melodic streak running through your work now that sits right alongside your lyrical sharpness—did singing come naturally, or was it something you had to grow into over time?

I was not a good singer. To the point that I’ll catch myself doubting my abilities now. I only used to rap till  I learnt that the vocal cords are like a muscle, and that they can be trained. So I train them and practice night in and out.  In order to grow as an artist, things have to be learnt and skills have to be sharpened, and I knew I would have to learn how to sing if I wanted to have longevity and the ability to innovate creatively. I still have so much more work to do, but the improvement from when I first started to now should motivate anybody who’s thought about singing. 

You’ve clearly built a sound that doesn’t stick to one lane—how do you decide what a track needs stylistically, and are there any genres you’re itching to experiment with down the line?

I seek a feeling and vibe that I want to convey and connect with people on. I get bored easily, so it’s tough for me to stick to one style, but that’s what makes art so fun. You can do anything you want within the confines of 12 notes. I want to eventually get into my own production. I’ve dabbled before, and with a lot of hand-holding, I’ve contributed on a few beats, but I want to create my own EDM song (particularly some melodic house type sound) eventually, where I do everything myself from top to bottom. 

For The Better dropped on May 2nd. What do you hope people take away from it that they might not have picked up from your earlier releases?

That we are where we are exactly meant to be. Don’t doubt the process and smile through the rain – it would have happened with or without you being there.

Stream 6am’s latest single, For the Better, on all major platforms, including Spotify. 

Interview by Amelia Vandergast 

Kunle B – Wasting Time: A London Edge to R&B’s Classic Pulse

Posted on 8 April 2025
Kunle B

Kunle B may have cut his teeth in church pews and school halls, but his latest single Wasting Time proves he’s now fully in command of the late-night airwaves. Dripping with early 00s R&B swagger and wrapped in the kind of sensuous vocal delivery that leaves fingerprints on your soul, the track is a bold return for the Londoner who’s rebuilt his sound from the ground up after a vocal haemorrhage threatened to pull the plug on his rise.

He doesn’t just throw down smooth grooves—he stakes his territory with a voice that oozes intent. The cheeky edge in the voice note interludes grounds the track in the reality of London’s grit, while the sultry rhythm guitar flickers with Latin heat. It’s this juxtaposition—between street-smart bravado and slow jam sensuality—that makes Wasting Time so addictive.

The influence of Brandy, Craig David, and Michael Jackson is felt in the meticulous vocal layering and slick phrasing, but Kunle B brings something fresh with his aphrodisiacal tone and instinct for emotional weight. Every line is shaped with purpose; every harmony lands with a sting.

Having climbed from mashups on socials to writing for others and securing his own development deal, Kunle B isn’t leaning on anyone else’s vision. He’s here to push R&B forward, spotlight Black male artistry, and show the UK doesn’t need to look across the Atlantic for this calibre of soul.

Wasting Time is available to stream on all major platforms, including Soundcloud, now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dana’s ‘More Than Enough’ is RnB Gospel for the Self

Posted on 22 March 2025

Dana is forging his own path to the top of the charts with ‘More Than Enough’, a track that channels RnB, pop, and soul into an intimate yet universally resonant anthem. As he advocates for knowing that the only thing you’ll ever really need to change is how much you value yourself, the production finds space for his growing audience to amplify their sense of self. So often, RnB leans into external validation, but Dana hones in on where affection truly matters—within.

Born in Huntsville, Alabama, and now calling North Carolina home, Dana White has come a long way from the self-doubt that once kept his voice in the background. His reinvention as an artist wasn’t just about sound—it was about shedding insecurities, embracing his own style, and pushing forward with a genre he calls Seren&B, a fusion of atmospheric serenity and RnB’s soul-bearing aura

With layered harmonies building into seraphic choral textures towards the outro, ‘More Than Enough’ is gospel for anyone who needs to find their way back to themselves. The rich vocal layering feels like a sonic embrace, wrapping around the empowering lyricism that doesn’t just suggest self-worth—it demands it. Dana’s trajectory is one of resilience; in ‘More Than Enough’, he makes it clear that he’s bringing listeners along for the ride.

‘More Than Enough’ is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bronx-based RnB Visionary, BRIEL the Artist, Pulled Listeners Into the Haze of Infatuation with ‘THE BLINDS’

Posted on 4 March 2025

After stepping back from the airwaves following his 2023 debut, QUESTIONS, BRIEL the Artist returns with THE BLINDS, proving just how much sharper his sonic signature has become. The Bronx-based avant-gardist of R&B innovation layers smooth harmonies over syncopated beats and oscillating synth lines that warp into a kaleidoscope of soul. The Lo-Fi production doesn’t soften the impact—it amplifies the emotion, pulling you into a hypnotic immersion where BRIEL lets the leash off his expression, letting it run wild and free in this rich, introspective soundscape.

The track dives headfirst into the push and pull of new attraction—the thrill, the uncertainty, and the way assumptions take the reins before reality has a chance to catch up. Using the metaphor of closed blinds, BRIEL reflects on how we get lost in our own mental stories instead of letting relationships unfold naturally. The lyrical honesty latches onto the ears, while the fluid instrumental textures make sure the hook stays planted deep.

With plans to take THE BLINDS to the stage across New York City, along with upcoming film projects and new releases, BRIEL is clearly playing the long game.

For those ready to get lost in the highs and lows of love, THE BLINDS is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dialling Up the Future: KayOShea Reinvents RnB with Yo Number

Posted on 15 February 2025

With echoes of the iconic Nelly and Kelly Rowland track behind the syncopated beats, scuzzy synths and trickles of piano keys, KayOShea didn’t just break the mould with Yo Number, he contoured a retro-futuristic hybrid that instantly catches you off guard, pulls you in deeper and gives you the compulsion to hit repeat.

KayOShea, the Indiana-born artist who has spent over a decade navigating music, comedy, and acting, has a knack for exploring the experimental intersections of RnB. His approach refuses to sit in one space, stretching the genre’s boundaries with textured production and expressive depth.

Despite the polish and artful nuances, Yo Number still finds a way to feel like an impromptu rush of expression, allowing you to lock right into the energy of the salacious with soul single. The blend of crisp production with KayOShea’s vocals as they switch from RnB harmonies to rap verses ensures Yo Number makes an unforgettable impact—never veering into overindulgence but always keeping you hanging on every moment.

Now available to stream on all major platforms, including YouTube, Yo Number makes it clear that KayOShea isn’t just experimenting for the sake of it—he’s actively writing the next chapter of RnB.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

‘Good Lord!’ – Malya Tempts the RnB Gods with Her Sultry Debut

Posted on 10 February 2025

Some artists tiptoe into the industry, but Malya kicked the door wide open with her debut single, Good Lord! The Sydney-born singer-songwriter has spent nearly a decade honing her craft on stage across the Western Suburbs, and at 23, she’s finally ready to take her own sound to the airwaves. Taking cues from the vocal fluidity of Ariana Grande and the soulful weight of SZA, she’s riding the contemporary RnB wave in a direction that pays homage to the golden era of 90s icons while staying radio-ready for the new generation.

Good Lord! is a full-bodied meditation on desire—sensuous in its production, intoxicating in its delivery. Every note carries intent, ensuring not an ounce of the soul in her performance slips by unnoticed. Self-produced and sonically rich, the track boasts the same earworm appeal as her influences without leaning into imitation. The hypnotic melodies wrap around lyrics that revel in the body’s ability to spark obsession, making for a track that doesn’t just flirt with seduction—it commands it.

If this is Malya’s first step, it won’t be long before she’s towering above us from the RnB pantheon.

Good Lord! was officially released on January 26th and is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rattling Beats and Soulful Heat: Denaron’s ‘On My Way’ is RnB Reloaded

Posted on 1 February 2025

With ‘On My Way,’ Denaron proves why he’s a voice worth paying attention to in the contemporary pantheon of RnB greats. Rooted in the soul of the genre’s pioneers, the track blends the raw passion of Luther Vandross and David Ruffin with a modern vibrancy reminiscent of Musiq Soulchild and Bruno Mars. Yet, Denaron’s artistry doesn’t settle for imitation – his voice carries an honesty and dynamism that harmonises leagues away from assimilation.

The instrumentals bring a kaleidoscope of colour to the mix, their smooth contortions wrapping around beats that hit with a confident pulse. It’s the kind of groove that feels simultaneously nostalgic and refreshingly current, bridging the roots of RnB with the shimmering motifs of contemporary production. Meanwhile, Denaron’s vocal agility weaves through the track, his kinetic range delivering hooks that strike with as much emotion as precision.

Denaron’s path to this moment started in the pews of his local church, where he began singing at just 12 years old. Drawing inspiration from legends like Ronald Isley, his early foundation in soul music fuels his goal of creating tracks that shine a light on life’s complexities, from love to faith. His open-hearted approach has earned him recognition far beyond his home turf of Texas, whether winning talent shows, featuring on tracks for hip-hop artists, or sharing stages with the likes of Ginuwine and Wale.

With ‘On My Way,’ Denaron doesn’t just blur the lines between eras of RnB – he redefines them, leaving listeners swaying to his rhythm and arrested by his unapologetic soul.

Stream the official video for On My Way on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Razing RnB to Its Core: Face It by BroBroCookDatUp ft. Evan L Lee & w a v e s

Posted on 30 January 2025

Face It, the standout single from BroBroCookDatUp Presents Starting 5ive, places BroBroCookDatUp firmly in the vanguard of contemporary RnB. Featuring Evan L Lee and w a v e s, the track pairs rhythmically intense trap beats with lush layers of textural reverb that envelop the listener. While the sonics are undeniably polished, the delivery is raw and unapologetic, holding no punches as it calls out those who treat love like a disposable game.

The production’s intensity is matched by the conviction in the vocal performances. BroBroCookDatUp, Evan L Lee, and w a v e s each bring their distinct energy to the table, creating a collaborative synergy that keeps the track’s momentum sharp and unrelenting. It’s not a track that simply sits in the background; it commands attention with every beat, every word, and every nuance of its honed arrangement.

Rod, the artist behind BroBroCookDatUp, pulls from his family’s musical legacy to shape his innovative sound. From looping melodies his uncle Carlos composed to harmonising with his daughter, Rod’s work is deeply personal while still aiming to push boundaries. His artistry doesn’t stop at music; through his SpaceTrap.shop clothing line and his community-focused initiatives, he continues to create meaningful connections with his audience.

Stream Face It on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

From the Classroom to Cruise Ships: Gabriel Greenwood’s Evolving Journey

Posted on 3 January 2025
Gabriel Greenwood

Gabriel Greenwood is a rising singer-songwriter known for his soulful vocals and reflective lyrical style. His latest release, High School Reunion, channels the wistful pull of the past while illuminating how far we come after graduating. In our interview, Greenwood discusses the inspirations behind the track, the influences that shaped his signature sound, and his plans to continue forging new musical frontiers in 2025. He also reveals the pivotal role his music education played in nurturing his creative spirit, underlining his unwavering commitment to sincerity. This glimpse into Greenwood’s world hints at how he merges personal memories with modern ingenuity.


Gabriel Greenwood, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us to discuss what’s in the pipeline for you! We loved discovering you through your latest single, High School Reunion which is due for release on January 11. What’s the story behind the single? 

I wrote this song in 2021. I graduated from high school in 2016, so, if not for COVID, it would’ve been my 5th year high school reunion. That sentiment was on my mind, and it filled me with nostalgia for that time in my life. It reminded me of the crush(es) I had in high school, and what reuniting with them at a reunion would’ve been like. Would I still like them? Have they thought about me at all?

You do a lot of growing in 5 years after graduation. You become an adult, you find new interests, and you learn a lot about yourself. I felt like it took me leaving high school to learn about love. I wanted to write about that idea.

What do you hope listeners take away from the single?

As much as I want listeners to walk away with a sense of self-acceptance and pride in their journey, I also want them to identify with the slow burn of a high school crush that never worked out. Life is full of many ‘what ifs’, and especially when you’re young and don’t have all the answers, it’s important to look back and celebrate that growth, while also going “Damn; imagine if I had had the courage back then that I have now!”

How did you ensure your melodies reflected the emotional underpinnings of the single?

I am so inspired by classic artists such as Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. I wanted to reflect the nostalgia of high school by having a 70s Soul throwback-y sound. I also had the privilege of working with incredible session musicians on this track (Daniel Huston, Ian Strobino, Jackson Mayhall, Heaven McCoury, Mack Clay). I feel like the real players added to the sense of being in a band, which brings me back to high school. The melody itself naturally fluctuates from being more introspective in the verse to declarative in the hook, reflecting the ups and downs of memory and connection.

You’re clearly an artist capable of painting a complete spectrum of emotional complexity. How did you hone this skill? 

Thank you! I think it’s a combination of studying the greats, who were masters at storytelling, and my background in choral arranging and vocal coaching. Working with vocal harmonies taught me how to create layers of emotion in a song, and studying songwriting has given me the tools to translate those emotions into lyrics and melodies. I’m also someone who’s always reflecting on life and observing the emotions around me—I think that helps too.

Would you say you have a signature sound, or can your fans always expect the unexpected? 

It’s a bit of both for me! There are nuances and writing elements that fans will always be able to identify as quintessentially Gabriel Greenwood. I also love sticking to my love of a soulful sound, and I’ll never lose that. But, I’m also constantly inspired by new sounds. I have new ideas incorporating some 80s rock elements and world music elements that I’m really vibing with right now. So for my fans, I’d just say prepare to be pleasantly surprised!

How do you incorporate nuances of your influences while keeping your sound authentic? 

I feel High School Reunion does it best out of any of the songs I have out. It really balances the nuances with my own originality. The instrumentation and arrangement sound so classic like my 70s Soul influences, but the melody itself is very fresh. I’m especially proud of the hook, which feels so modern without feeling out of place. Also, the topic and the story itself is pretty unique while being very relatable. I always love finding a story for a song that not many other artists talk about, thereby ensuring some authenticity from the get-go.

What appeals to you most about classic songwriting?

Well, my mom is a songwriter who worked primarily in the 70s and 80s. She inspired me from a very young age to tell stories through my songs. I love the frankness of writing that came out of the 70s. Writers who inspired my mom like Laura Nyro, Carole King, and Carly Simon knew how to deliver a message clearly AND creatively. I also love when a second verse actually MEANS something haha! I love how classic songs continue to tell the story linearly through each verse. A lot of modern Pop tends to use the second verse to rehash what’s already been said in the first verse, when there’s so much more context and layering you could be doing in the second verse. In High School Reunion, I enjoyed showing a full conversation with the crush that continues and finishes in verse 2.

Have the environments you’ve lived in and experienced shaped your sound? 

I see my influences as starting points rather than templates. The music that inspires me was always playing in my house growing up. And though a lot of it wouldn’t seep into my artist persona until my teen years, it had a deep impact on me. At the same time, I was being so nurtured at school, where I was surrounded my top-notch music opportunities. It gave me an environment where, if I wasn’t being inspired, I was at least being encouraged to take music seriously. I am indebted to my music education for where I am today. As an artist, whether releasing music or performing on cruise ships, I think my inspirational and educational environments were crucial in shaping my sound.

Any big plans for 2025?

I’m really excited to take my fans with me on my journey performing professionally on a cruise ship this year! From January-May, I will be performing a piano duo show with my incredible pal Stephen Coakley aboard the MS Zuiderdam! We’ll be on for the 125-day Grand World Voyage, circumnavigating the entire globe! Along the way, I hope to collaborate with stellar musicians and artists I admire both on board and off to make music that connects with people on a deep level. 2025 is also going to be a year of a lot of creation. I’ve got more songs on the way, as well as a lot of exciting content to further grow my fan base on Instagram and TikTok. =)

High School Reunion will be available to stream on all major platforms from January 11th. Find your preferred way to listen and connect with Gabriel Greenwood via their official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast