Browsing Tag

Soul Singer

Starfire in the Scar Tissue: Stephan Leroy Folkes Transcends Temporal Turmoil in ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’

Posted on 11 April 2025
Stephan Leroy Folkes

After launching Say It Like You Mean It with an insistent demand for honesty, Stephan Leroy Folkes has returned to eclipse every surface-level sentiment in It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars). Where the debut came with sharp confrontation, the sophomore single is steeped in cosmic introspection and scorched-soul sonics that unravel through alt-soul-pop with funk-slicked edges and ethereal atmospherics.

Folkes has dialled up the soul, beguile, and eccentric electricity up to 11, welcoming his ever-growing fan following into the epitome of impassioned visceralism. With the cosmic underpinnings to the alt-soul-pop serenade and Folkes’ falsetto vocal timbre surpassing the scintillation of Michael Jackson with the aching vibrato that hits in the chorus, the single is a lesson on what it means to truly go beyond surface level with emotions.

From the first synth-streaked beat to the last breathy note, the track tests the tensile strength of resilience, using star-bound metaphors to map the personal collisions that shake us into shape. The Leytonstone-born artist never plays it safe—nor should he. Born from brushes with death, his sound is living proof that survival can sound transcendent. With nods to Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Billie Eilish woven into his genre-defiant fingerprint, Stephan sidesteps imitation and plants himself firmly in the present moment of music with a sound entirely his own.

It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars) is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

BE became the airwaves’ answer to antifreeze with her modern jazz-soul single, ‘Mr Winter’

Posted on 6 February 2025

Some voices are made to console, to smooth the edges of existence with nothing more than a phrase, a note, a breath. BE has one of those voices. In Mr Winter, she employs her timelessly graceful vocal lines to command attention and allow intensity to ebb and flow through effortlessly euphonic harmonies

The single instantly settles you into its easy, sublime smooth grooves of easy-listening soul. If you’re looking for a single to console you through the winter and touch your soul with warmth, look no further than this modern jazz-tinged masterstroke, which ensures that there’s no time for complacency. The transitions in tempo and the evolving intricacies within the time signatures ensure you stay enduringly arrested by the expressive instrumentation, which shines alongside the vocal centrepiece of the record.

Every progression is a revelation within Mr Winter, one that will cradle you within the cinematic sepia-tinged vignette of winter blues. With artful flourishes by the smorgasbord and endless virtuosic touches in the instrumentation, the only question the track will leave you with is when will BE become the household name she deserves to be.

BE’s artistry is shaped by a passion for connection, authenticity, and empowerment—values she carries into her work beyond the studio. A seasoned collaborator and a creative force in her own right, she has worked alongside artists such as Emeli Sandé and Priya Ragu, led songwriting retreats that have been hailed as profound and transformative, and even taken her artistic journey to the wild, embarking on solo expeditions that blur the lines between personal challenge and creative expression.

With her recent rebrand, she steps further into experimentation, bridging her natural, earthy sound with an adventurous, expansive presence.

‘Mr Winter’ was officially released on January 17th and is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergas

Kaia Lar’s ‘I Want You to Lie’ – A Smouldering Subversion of RnB

Posted on 5 February 2025

Kaia Lar isn’t here to offer rose-tinted illusions with her latest single, I want you to lie. The London-based singer-songwriter, who originally hails from Kazakhstan lit up the airwaves with her trailblazing approach to RnB, jazz and soul fusion which nestles into a subversion that flips the script on romantic delusion.

With a title that compels you to lean in, I Want You to Lie is more than just a soul-driven plea—it’s a raw, unfiltered commentary on the comforts of self-deception in relationships. The maturity within Lar’s lyricism is undeniable, and when paired with her nuanced vocal style, it solidifies her as a force within modern soul. She delivers all the accessibility of Amy Winehouse while carrying the torch of the genre’s great chanteuses, effortlessly balancing vulnerability with defiance.

The spoken-word segment alone will arrest any fans of Lola Young, it cuts through the smooth RnB grooves like a razor-sharp juxtaposition to the rich timbres in her harmonies. With a voice that commands attention and a sound that refuses to be boxed in, Lar has proven she won’t have reached her true place in the industry until she’s filling stadiums and claiming her spot at the top of the charts.

After dropping on January 17th, I want you to lie is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gabriel Greenwood reached the zenith of the retro-soul revolution with ‘High School Reunion’

Posted on 11 January 2025
Gabriel Greenwood

Gabriel Greenwood ignited a powerful spark of retro-soul in his latest single, High School Reunion. The bluesy serenade tugs at the roots of Americana as hard as it pulls on the heartstrings.

While the smooth, honeyed instrumental arrangement sets a warm backdrop, Greenwood’s magnetic timbre quickly claims the spotlight. His lyrical reflections intensify into a near-gospel outpouring when the organs supplant the slide guitars, bathing the production in an arcane glow and revealing Greenwood as a timeless conduit of soul.

As the track unfolds, a bright crescendo of brass supplies a climactic rush that proves unforgettable. It’s a testament to Greenwood’s knack for amalgamating elements of neo-soul, funk, indie pop, and classic singer-songwriter traditions, echoing the emotive pedigree of legends such as Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield. Simultaneously, there’s a fresh introspective quality reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and James Blake.

Though he hails from New Jersey, Greenwood spends much of the year cruising the globe as a ship musician. That wanderlust seeps into his songwriting, spurring a distinct balance of nostalgic depth and inventive flair.

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.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Caleya Black – Stay with Me: A Homecoming for the Soul

Posted on 30 November 2024

Love may be a hard emotion to put into words, but when Caleya Black weaved it into her organically seraphic single, Stay with Me, those four little words transformed into a universal language. The old-school soul instrumentals, complete with staccato guitars carving the contours of delicious groove pockets, cradle the singer-songwriter’s arcanely transcendent vocal register. Through her harmonies, the classic tones she touches transform into a timeless tonality, proving that soul music doesn’t need reinvention to feel relevant.

Black’s artistry harks back to an era when soul ruled the airwaves, as Urban Magazine noted about her breakout single Our Song. The Motown-inspired artist from New Jersey, steeped in gospel roots, knows how to craft music that defies trends. Her debut EP, Still Loves, and standout tracks like Go There and Love Come Down, have cemented her reputation as an artist who respects the legacy of soul while asserting her place within it.

In Stay with Me, the restraint in the instrumentation highlights Black’s command over her vocal expression. Every note feels deliberate, every harmony meticulously placed to pull listeners into the raw honesty of the lyrics. This is the kind of track that doesn’t demand attention but earns it with its authenticity, proving Caleya Black doesn’t just make soul music—she embodies it.

Stay with Me is now available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Henry Bitzer’s ‘25th Hour’ Radiates Rapturous Soul and Swagger

Posted on 30 September 2024

Henry Bitzer’s standout single, 25th Hour, from his debut LP Skydive, delivers some of the swankiest sounds of 2024. The track is a testament to the solo artist’s knack for nostalgically leaning songwriting chops, which remain sharp even when held up against his musical heroes.

Any attempt to resist the euphoric energy of 25th Hour is futile; the rapturous euphony he coaxes from the keys showcases his comfort and charisma in crafting soulful soundscapes that simultaneously nod to the past and stride confidently into the future.

Blending blues, 70s pop rock, and a smattering of jazz, Bitzer conjures a unique sonic synthesis that defies easy categorisation. The seamless fusion of styles creates a distinctive sound that harks back to the golden era of rock without feeling stuck in the past. His ability to weave eclectic influences into a seamless tour de rapturous force ensures that his legacy is already carving itself a place in the annals of contemporary alternative music. It’s only a matter of time before major labels are vying for his signature.

At just 19, the Minnesota native has been compared to the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel for his magnetic stage presence and infectious melodies. Now a second-year student at Belmont University in Nashville, Bitzer has spent the last four years performing live across the U.S., honing his craft and building a loyal following.

Stream Henry Bitzer’s debut LP, Skydive, on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Keilene: Unveiling the Multitalented Artist Behind ‘Lips’

Posted on 23 June 2024

Keilene’s artistic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her roots in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to her current status as a rising star, Keilene has continually pushed the envelope in music, dance, modelling, and acting. Her latest single ‘Lips’ is a culmination of her unique blend of cultural influences and creative passion. In this exclusive interview, she bares her inspirations, and exposes what ignites her unflinching passion for the arts. Prepare to explore the mind of a true creative powerhouse and discover what makes Keilene a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Welcome to A&R Factory, Keilene! We are thrilled to have such a multifaceted and dynamic artist join us. With your latest single Lips freshly released, we can’t wait to dive into your creative universe.  First off, can you tell us about your early life in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and how it has influenced your artistic journey?

Wow, where do I start?! Well, I was born at San Juan Municipal Hospital Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. My mom is Taino-Puerto Rican and my biological father Afro-Puerto Rican, but my dad who raised me is Jamaican. I moved to Coral Springs, Florida when I was quite young, however, my culture is invariably embedded in me through family, food, and of course, music. Music has always been at the forefront of every moment in my life, whether it be on family holidays with us dancing bachata in the living room, or turning up the volume to Alicia Keys while we clean house on a Sunday morning. At every turn, I am fascinated by how music can put color in the air.

You’ve built a diverse career spanning music, dance, modelling, and acting. What motivated you to explore so many different creative fields?

To others, it might seem overwhelming, but I see them all having the same common denominator, creating through expression. My motivation stems from my experiences of anxiety and depression during my adolescence, but throughout the years, I’ve learned to transmute those heavy emotions into divine inspiration as a result of the arts. Creating became a space for devotion.

Which of your creative endeavours do you find the most gratifying, and why?

That’s an easy answer. It’d have to be singing. I find myself reaching into the deepest depths of my soul and giving my all when my voice fills the room. It’s such a powerful feeling.

What was the inspiration behind your new single, Lips, and what message do you hope it conveys to your listeners?

I love this question! At my core, I am sentimental. I become enchanted by tender emotions in matters of love. I wanted to write an ode for that special someone in their life and embrace what it means to feel that, given the soft jazz tones. This song I hold dearly to my heart.

Working with notable artists like Beth Cohen must be an incredible experience. How has her mentorship influenced your music career?

Great question! First off, Beth is a phenomenal coach! Her teachings have brought confidence and vigor to my vocals like no other. She is a distinct means that has honed my instrument as well as the guide for me to navigate the music industry.

You recently landed a role in the horror/thriller, Bloodline Killer; how does acting compare to your experiences in music and dance? 

Being part of a great crew on set for Bloodline Killer allowed me the insight to see variations of me in the world of acting. It was such a fun experience diving into an all-ears and tenacious character like “Sergeant Keily”. Though acting is new territory for me, the opportunity to convey through diverse outlets has expanded the possibilities within my career.

What drives you to continually push the boundaries in your artistic career?

Interesting question! I’ve come to realize I’m not the same me I was five years ago, or three months ago. Sure, my values and soul are the drivers of this vehicle, but I continue to amaze myself with how I unravel greater versions of who I am meant to be. That will be the fuel to my success.

How do you want to make your mark on the music industry, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

This is beautiful. I’ve thought about this a lot. I aim to empower women to spark a flame within their spirits and realize the power they hold. Any opposition you face is a step towards your greatest achievements!

Stream Lips on Spotify now.

Discover more about Keilene via her official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Manchester soul sensation, Tsana lit the ignition of self-liberation with her single, All of Me

Posted on 16 April 2024

With her standout single, All of Me, Manchester’s Tsana, rewrote the time-old tale of giving your all in a relationship and receiving only regret in return and reached the epitome of class in the process. Even though emotions run red-hot in the deep groove pockets of the authentic RnB installation, there’s no room for self-pity in the ignition of self-liberation, which feeds into her signature ‘street-soul’ style.

Knowing it is all too easy to slip into a cascade of self-doubt when someone refuses to affirm your worth, Tsana became the ultimate role model for anyone who knows how bittersweet to come away from a relationship scathed by unappreciation.

The Manchester-based soulstress, riding high in her ‘grown woman era’ following a hiatus which saw her bring new life into the world, was a firebrand before her break from the studio and stages, with her latest EP, Lovehood, she’s not just in her element, she’s setting the UK soul scene alight with her cognizant cultivated aura. By finding the ultimate equilibrium between confident sophistication and hell-hath-no-fury unreckonable energy, she’s the best Manchester has to offer in 2024.

All of Me is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Charlotte Forman opened a gateway to the golden era of soul with ‘Make Me Your Girl’

Posted on 20 February 2024

Charlotte Forman opened a gateway to the golden era of soul with the superlatively timbered harmonies in her seminal single, Make Me Your Girl. It’s one of the few instances in the landscape of contemporary music where authenticity doesn’t play second fiddle to commercial appeal.

The UK songstress always puts her intricate imprint on her blends of soul, pop, jazz, and RnB. Make Me Your Girl, which unfolds as a compelling journey through the nuances of old-school soul is no exception. Forman’s voice, a potent blend of power and vulnerability, carries the song with an effortless grace reminiscent of the genre’s legends. The single’s cinematic quality is undeniable. Each crescendo and harmony is crafted with precision, enveloping the listener in a hauntingly warm tapestry of sound.

The lyrics, a poignant reflection of Forman’s personal experiences, speak of love and longing with an honesty that is both rare and relatable – despite our contemporary fear of rejection getting in the way of candour.

With Make Me Your Girl, Charlotte Forman not only cements her place as a rising star in the British music scene but also as a voice for the modern romantic. Her journey from the stages of amateur dramatic groups to headlining sold-out shows is a narrative of perseverance and passion. We can’t wait to see the heights she reaches as one of the most magnetic artists of our era.

Stream Make Me Your Girl on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jones pushed the boundaries of RnB with his latest serenade, Rush

Posted on 26 January 2024
Jones

Jones, an artist who needs only one name to make an impact, went where no RnB artist had ventured before with his latest bold declaration of individuality, ‘Rush’. From the deep south’s heartlands to the pinnacle of musical innovation, Jones has come a long way from the early days of sparking his passion for soulful sonics.

Rush is a masterclass in balancing the old and the new. The track is imbued with echoes of 90s RnB, a nod to the classics that shaped Jones’ early love for music. Yet, the way he weaves these influences into his experimental, pulsating melodies to create an almost discordant backdrop which harmonises perfectly with the smooth, flowing cadence of his vocals is visionary. It’s this juxtaposition that makes Rush a standout track that will capture your consciousness for long after the final note has faded.

Jones’ voice is a revelation as it soulfully pays homage to his church choir days while inscribing sensuously soulful poetry that nods to his determination and passion. His ability to stay true to his roots while pushing the boundaries of RnB will see him go far in 2024 and beyond.

Rush will hit the airwaves on January 26; stream it on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast