Hi Pal,
Welcome to another List of Ten Newsletter where I share ten artists, bands or albums that I feel deserve some attention on your listening queue. But first a little housekeeping…
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Many women are doing incredible things in the Christian R&B/Soul scene. For a lot of these artists, simply calling them R&B/Soul would be too simplistic as they are all eclectic and diverse in their ways; incorporating many other unique elements in the approach to their craft.
Let’s run down the list, shall we?
Morgan J
Morgan J has an ethereal quality to her vocal tone and the versatility to apply it to different types of songs. From the dream-pop sensibilities of ‘Silver Wings’ to the retro-funky vibes of ‘Basement’, it’s never a dull moment with her.
Since 2020, she has been releasing a series of EPs titled Angelpop — with Volume 3 dropping on June 10th, 2022. None of them feels the same and it is clear from each release that she is growing as an artist, a writer and a Christian.
Sarah Nathalié
My first encounter with Sarah’s music was the cover art for her 2020 EP titled, Heal Our Land. It may sound like a weird place to start, but I have a thing for album arts and I was struck by her “Holy Spirit Advisory Jesus Content” disclaimer.
I haven’t looked back since then. Sarah is a gem both as an artist and a producer. She has an interesting airy tone which blends well with her alternative R&B/Hip-Hop instrumental and production leanings.
Britton
Britton has dropped several singles between 2020 and now, but it was her Guidance EP — of the same year — that set caught my attention. With just four songs, she gifted us with a smooth fusion of Afropop and R&B.
I’ve followed everything that she has done since and she has continued to consistently deliver singles that have built my anticipation for her next major project.
Claudia Isaki
I have a list of artists/bands that I desperately need a new project from and Claudia Isaki is on the top tier of this list. This singer-songwriter from Paris has kept me hooked to her first two EPs — My Home and Golden Hour — for the past two years.
Every time I listen to them, it feels like the first time and I still can’t grasp why they have such a hold on me. Is it the soothing timbre of her voice? Her jazz-spliced soulful compositions? The heartfelt and honest lyrical approach to her worship? Or perhaps a combination of all these things.
One thing is sure, I can’t get enough of Claudia Isaki’s music.
Jackie Legere
If anyone were to ask me how I liked my Alternative R&B, I’d simply play Jackie Legere’s music. She also falls into the category of artists that I need to release an album or EP.
All her singles are beautiful, and although she is still quite fresh on the scene, it is plain to see that she has a clear vision for her music and is deliberate about her craft.
Darla Baltazar
I had identified Darla Baltazar as a producer/multi-instrumentalist long before I thought to listen to any of her songs. Somehow, she always popped up on my Instagram reels and I always enjoyed the videos.
So it was no surprise to me — when I finally got into her music — to experience how diverse her range of sounds is. Darla’s music is a cornucopia of lo-fi, soul, jazz, R&B and alternative pop. You’re never really sure what you’re going to get when you listen to a new song from her.
There are only two guarantees. The first is that it would be good. The second is that it would be theologically sound.
V. Rose
Of all the wonderful women on this list, V.Rose is the only one that I can describe as a veteran. She’s been on the scene for more than a decade and I’ve been familiar with her voice for the majority of my adult life.
As far back as 2010, I remember listening to her on ‘Surrender’ by FLAME and two years later, she was featured by Trip Lee on a song titled ‘Beautiful Life’.
With four albums to her name already, she is still going strong and remains a trailblazer for Christian soul and R&B today.
Trulah
Another artist on this list who God is using to teach me patience. No one sounds like Trulah, she exists in a sonic space that is designed just for her.
With her blend of jazz, soul and gospel, every song by her is a profound and unique experience that reveals the heart of a true artist and worshipper. Her Prologue album of 2020 was of the best albums of that year and you should check it out if you haven’t yet.
Jaimie Poon
Sticking to the jazzy theme, Jaimie Poon is an artist that anyone who is a fan of the genre should pay attention to. Her singles and her 2021 EP — Ines, My Dear — are a testament to the beauty of vocal jazz compositions with a neo-soul slant.
It remains one of the best EPs of 2021 and I can’t wait for what she does next.
Taty Sachi
Taty Sachi is a fairly recent addition to my library and over the past couple of months, I’ve had her music on constant rotation.
First impressions matter a lot to me musically and Taty’s understanding of R&B jumps at you from the few seconds of any song that you listen to. She might be fairly new to the scene, but it is clear that she has been honing her craft for years and the hard work is paying off.
ICYMI, here’s the playlist again.
That’s it for today. Save your favourite songs from the playlist and feel free to check out the albums and more.
Until next time.
Keep listening!
Social Preview Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
What's your favourite song on the playlist? Who are your favourite R&B/Soul artists at the moment? Let me know in the comments.
Kotoka is insanely unique. Can't wait to delve into this and find someone that'll blow me away