On the first Friday of every month for the past year, Bandcamp has waived its revenue share as a way to support musicians who have been impacted by the global pandemic. From Ivor Novello award-winning composer Renell Shaw’s poetic EP, ‘The Windrush Suite’ to the emotive debut album ‘Honey For Wounds’ by neo-soul’s rising star, Ego Ella May. Against all the odds, these artists are continuing to produce incredible new music for us to enjoy — it’s only right that we support them.
1. IVORY by R-Kay
Releasing his phenomenal debut album, R-Kay delves deeper into his artistry as a music producer and composer in ‘IVORY’. With soothing neo-soul, hints of contemporary jazz and hip-hop, paired with vocals from Ayeisha Raquel alongside Chyoma and Rudimental’s official vocalist Afronaut Zu, R-Kay delivers a rich body of work. Following composition credits, scoring for Channel 4 commissioned documentary “Damilola: The Boy Next Door“, the artist demonstrates why he’s quickly becoming one of the UK’s most promising talents.
2. Rose in the Dark by Cleo Sol
Grounded, poised and uplifting, Cleo Sol’s debut album ‘Rose in the Dark’ is an utterly sublime exploration of British neo-soul. The British-Jamaican artist of West London delicately strings together 11-tracks. From the upbeat melody on ‘Rewind’ to slower, guitar-led tracks like ‘Butterfly’ and ‘Sure of Myself’. But it’s the jazzy rhythm and Cleo Sol’s introspective lyricism on ‘When I’m in Your Arms’ that you want to hear over and over again.
3. The Windrush Suite by Renell Shaw (Vortex Jazz Club)
Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter, composer and music producer, Renell Shaw’s jazz-infused EP ‘The Windrush Suite‘ explores Black resistance and the histories of the Windrush generation. In the EP, Shaw weaves the voices of Windrush elders amongst vocals from jazz vocalist Sahra Gure and Afronaut Zu. His carefully crafted composition results in an uncompromising body of work, which belongs in the archives to be rediscovered by future generations to come.
4. Honey For Wounds by Ego Ella May
Ego Ella May, MOBO award-winning singer-songwriter from South London, drizzles her own distinct sound all over the tracks in album ‘Honey For Wounds’. The subtle political messages that she whispers through her lyrics set her apart as a musician with longevity. With alluring vocals atop neo-soul and contemporary jazz compositions, Ego not only meets the high expectations surrounding her debut album but rises above them with her full-bodied musical offering.
5. DRIVE (Dawn Edition) and (Dusk Edition) by Kemi Ade
Kemi Ade, singer-songwriter from South London, offers a fusion of jazz and soul with elements of old-school R&B in her two-part EP ‘DRIVE’. The artist’s musical influences, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild and Ne-Yo, can be heard loud and clear, both in her songwriting and core sound. Splitting the EP in two, disrupting ordinary patterns of music consumption, Kemi Ade approaches her art with intention and the desire to leave a lasting impression.
6. Matters Of The Heartless by Olivier St.Louis
The new full-length EP ‘M.O.T.H.‘ by Olivier St.Louis perfectly blends soulful vocals with funk-infused rhythms, rock undertones and a touch of jazz. Born in Washington DC of Haitian and Cameroon heritage, the musician spent his teens in Britain, amassing an array of musical influences. The eclectic but classically-structured mix of tracks on the EP features some of his successful releases, including standout single ‘Runnin’ Wild’ and downtempo opener ‘Jump The Line’. Olivier St.Louis views his alternative soul artistry on the project as “no punches pulled, no compromises, just me”.
7. Two Takes by Yazmin Lacey & Congi
Singer-songwriter Yazmin Lacey and production duo Congi from Nottingham combine forces on their EP ‘Two Takes’. The unconventional project emerges from a raw and organic process with each song completed in just two takes. Yazmin Lacey lends her enchanting vocals and emotional songwriting to tracks with minimal production, retaining the soulful essence core to her artistry.
8. WOAH by Ragz Orignale
Taking R&B in an entirely different direction, North London singer and producer Ragz Originale delivers ‘WOAH’, an EP designed with late night drives on the mind. With his pared back lyrics and irresistible rhythms, Ragz Originale shakes the foundations of R&B and no matter how you define the artist’s music, there’s no doubt you’re left wanting more.
9. Sun / Moon by Philip Shibata
The Japanese-Canadian musician based in Manchester, Philip Shibata releases his debut album ‘Sun / Moon’, which had been in the making for over a year. The artist’s unique sound oozes neo-Soul, R&B and all things lo-fi, the mix of genres that make up his musical universe. Symbolising the people and friends in Philip Shibata’s life, the 11-track title ‘Sun / Moon’ channels groovy rhythms as their light and presence that kept the artist grounded.
10. Starts Again [Live EP] by Tawiah
At a time when we’re all missing live music, London-based singer-songwriter Taiwah has blessed us with ‘Start Again’, a Live EP that makes it feel as though closing your eyes will transport you to an intimate concert performance. Combined with high profile writing collaborations with the likes of Blood Orange, Cee-Lo and Kano, Taiwah’s vocals distinguish her as a trailblazing alt-soul artist capable of sending chills audiences far and wide. Comprising a rich and authentic sound, the artist’s live project is a unique and truly immsersive listening experience.
