I find it amazing how music has the power to really set the mood; the mood of the room, of your day, of your emotional body. Listening to music has always been my safety and peace. It’s how I clear my head, get inspired, and start my day on a good note.
During this quarantine, it’s been particularly important for me to immerse myself in music and out of this dystopian reality we are currently living in, at least for a moment because self-care is necessary. I’ve been enjoying the extra time I’ve had to dig deeper and find more artists to listen to.
I have been listening to many genres and many artists of color with silky smooth vocals and melodies, as sweet as honey, that deserve more recognition. So I wanted to make a list and share it with you all since sharing is caring. <3
Here are 10 artists you might be missing out on:
1. Orion Sun
Orion Sun is an incredibly talented artist that writes, sings, and produces all her music. She creates soft glimmering ballads in which she combines elements of Indie, Soul, Jazz, and R&B. Her newest album, Hold Space For Me, is one of my favorites and I highly recommend you go take a listen if you haven’t already.
My favorite songs: Lighting & Mango
READ DOM DOUANGPANYA’S REVIEW OF THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR COFFEE FOR DINNER: HERE
2. UMI
UMI is another talented artist that emerged from Seattle and has been making music since 2017. Her music is a unique blend of R&B, Neo-soul, and Lo-Fi. She recently released a new EP called Introspection so go check that out if you haven’t already.
My favorite songs: Mother & Down to Earth
3. Bakar
Bakar is a great UK musician who also happens to be a model. He has modeled for brands such as Louis Vuitton and Brain Dead. This man has style, looks, and music that will make you smile from ear to ear. Bakar has a very carefree and lighthearted sound that makes me want to blast his music as I drive down the coast on my way to the beach. His music makes me happy and puts me in a good head space. I hope it does the same for you!
My favorite songs: Hell N Back & Small Town Girl
READ JACOB CASTANEDA’S REVIEW OF BAKAR’S ALBUM BAD KID: HERE
4. Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy is such a groovy king!! His music is jazzy, soulful, and uplifting. He is a part of The Internet and started his solo career with his first single ‘C U Girl’ in 2015. Steve Lacy is so talented and never ceases to release great music.
My favorite songs: Ryd & Lay Me Down
5. Q
Q is an up and coming artist from Florida. He is a singer, songwriter, producer and began his career in 2018. He has released two albums so far both exuding beautiful R&B melodies.
My favorite songs: Lavender & Lady
6. bLAck pARty
bLAck pARty is another great artist to have on your radar. He is originally from Arkansas and now lives in LA which explains the interesting capitalization behind his name. His music has influences of Neo-Soul, R&B, and that DIY approach we all love. If you like Steve Lacy you’ll love bLAck pARty!
My favorite songs: Dancing & Bloom
7. Choker
Choker is another artist I recommend listening to. His music is a blend between Indie, Pop and R&B. There’s a very whimsical feeling behind his songs and his sound is often compared to Frank Ocean’s.
My favorite songs: Brown Steel & Petrol Bliss
READ DOM DOUANGPANYA’S REVIEW OF CHOKER’S ALBUM HONEYBLOOM: HERE
8. Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks is another amazing artist that I highly recommend. She is a poet and singer from London that creates soft and delicate melodies. Arlo Parks has the voice of an angel and I’m glad Spotify brought her to my attention because I was immediately hooked after coming across her song ‘Cola’.
My favorite songs: George & Black Dog
9. Spencer.
Spencer. is an up and coming artist that began his solo career in 2018. His music is a blend of subgenres with heavy influences of indie, R&B, neo-soul, and pop. He recently released his single “Maybe,” a sneak peek to the intro of his upcoming album which I’m hoping is released sometime soon.
My favorite songs: Automatic & Open Wide
10. Willow Smith
Willow Smith is another incredibly talented singer that has grown so much as a person and as an artist. She has refined and polished her musical style throughout the years and it shows. Her music is poetic, introspective, and filled with gentle yet powerful vocals. I encourage you to take a listen.
My favorite songs: Time Machine & Wait A Minute
