Eryn Allen Kane
Eryn Allen Kane is best known for her collab with Prince on his protest record, Baltimore. Prince’s purist approach to his artistry is well known, so it goes without saying that he doesn’t jump on a track with just anybody. He caught wind of the Detroit-native, following the release of her debut single, Hollow, and the two collaborated 2 years later.
Eryn got her musical start in the church and the gospel influences are hugely evident in her sound. Her debut EP, 2015’s Aviary Act I, was initially made entirely a cappella, using intricate backing vocals and harmonies. Her most popular track to date, Have Mercy, is still in that format and is a stand out for its use of harmony as instrument. Kane released Aviary Act II in 2016 to critical acclaim, so the stage is set for a stellar 2017 LP.
Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith is the soulful crooning 19 year-old that immediately made all kinds of waves for her coverage of police injustice in her debut single, Blue Lights. Blue Lights, featuring a Dizee Rascal sample, like all of Jorja’s subsequent releases, showed a tender maturity and knack for social commentary far beyond her years. Subsequent singles have shown off her classical background, but the streetwise, old soul edge always comes through.
In November 2011, the Walsall-raised singer released Project 11, a 5-track EP with ballads, earmarked by Smith’s pained, jazz-inspired vocal delivery for which Smith has gathered Corinne Bailey Rae and Amy Winehouse comparisons. All the buzz culminated in Jorja earning a coveted top 5 spot on the BBC’s Sound of 2017shortlist. Not a bad place to be at 19, with no record label backing!
Samm Henshaw
Samm Henshaw’s got on the radar of British popular radio for his single, Our Love, a super-catchy summer jam. Since then, his star has continued to rise, with several major festival appearances and a North American tour. Samm is one to watch on the UK scene. He is one of the few able to make soulful music with throwback feels of the radio-friendly variety, couched by powerful vocals and great song-writing. Watch out for this star on his way to the top.
Sampha
Representing Morden, South London, Sampha is a singer that has been best known for his contributions to other artists’ music – Solange, Drake, Kanye, Frank Ocean, SBTRKT… But with the release of his debut album, Process, this past Friday, that is swiftly changing. Sampha’s talents have been borrowed by others for his ineffable ability to inject a quiet, but powerful intensity to a song. And on, Process, his brand of tranquil, powerful electronic Soul music is on full display. Watch out for our review of Process coming soon.
Sinead Harnett
Sinead Harnett got her first break when grime mainstay, Wiley, selected her to feature on his song, Walk Away, after issuing an open Twitter request. Since then, she has featured on tracks with Disclosure and Rudimental, releasing her debut EP, N.O.W in 2014. Tracks from N.O.W, were named ‘Track of the week’ by both the BBC and the Huffington Post. Sinead’s star has continued to rise and her latest self-titled EP seeing success across the streaming platforms. She’s touring in 2017, so watch out for the kid in a city near you.
SiR
Darryl Farris, aka SiR, is an LA-based singer-songwriter with a unique brand of chilled out alternative Soul music. SiR has long been TDE-affiliated, having worked with Isaiah Rashad and Jay Rock, but was recently announced as the label’s latest signee. His latest EP, HER, was shouted out by Kendrick Lamar. Following a couple of EP releases and endorsements from NPR and Soulection, SiR is picking up heat. Watch out for more in 2017.
