Tag Archives: R&B

Tradiio Exclusive: Interview with Ayelle

Ayelle

Ayelle

Ayelle is a London-based singer songwriter. We caught up with her to discuss music, feminism and Tradiio.

On your Twitter, you describe yourself as “Singer/Songwriter, Feminist, Activist”. You are co-founder of Young Feminists London. Tell us more!

I’ve considered myself a feminist ever since I understood what it meant, that it’s basically just the belief that men and women are equal beings and should be treated as such. There are so many misconceptions still, I think I must’ve been about 12 when I first realised what it actually meant.

So when I came to London I ended up diving straight into campaigning and organising grass roots activism, and along the way I’ve learnt that there is so much more to the feminist movement than I ever knew.

It also gradually became a more prominent element in my songwriting as well, so the two passions have sort of intertwined by now.

I started Young Feminists London alongside three amazing women that I met at the Feminism In London conference 2014 and it became an awareness raising group for anyone of any self-identifying gender who found themselves on the same journey. We’ve been putting on free events with various speakers, organisations, poets and comedians for over a year now and it’s been really exciting to watch it grow.

As well as being a feminist, you make music. Why did you start making music?

As a kid I would make up melodies and lyrics about where I was or what I was feeling, so when I learned how to write that was one of the first things I’d put on paper. From then on songwriting became my way of expressing my emotions and a form of therapy at times.

Describe your sound in three words.

Vulnerable. Honest. Defiant.

We discovered you on Tradiio. Do you think free platforms, such as Tradiio, are making it easier for artists to expose their sound to the general public?

Definitely, it’s really tricky to get noticed if you don’t have the right team around you, which is something that takes time to build. Tradiio is one of those platforms that allows you to be heard simply based on the quality of what you’re making and if it resonates with people, it’s one of the smarter ways of turning listening into a more interactive experience.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

I grew up listening to mainstream pop and r&b as well as a lot of persian music as it was always playing in the house, and both definitely left a mark on how I now use my voice. More recent influences are artists like Banks and Kelela whom I feel have been able to find something very unique which is the kind of music making that’s inspired me to experiment more with my own sound.

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

I’m listening a lot to new artists like Jones, Connie Constance, Wafia & Sevdaliza to name a few!

We’ve invested in Ayelle. Have you? Listen to more of their songs and support them at tradiio.com/Ayelle.

Sounds like: Banks, 4AM, Wet, IYES, The XX, SOHN

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Desta French – Like No Other

Desta French

Desta French

Desta French is a London-based, Colombian/Italian artist.

With her sensual new track ‘Like No Other’, Desta has cunningly mastered a classic R&B sound whilst containing level-headed and forward thinking production.

The track, which includes an amorous Latin guitar interlude, is “… just about finding that wild chemistry with someone that makes you start thinking all kinds of stupid things. It’s a hypnotizing feeling and easy to get lost in”.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Solange, Blood Orange, Banks, Cassie, Ben Khan, Kwabs

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Francesca Belmonte – Are You

Francesca Belmonte

Francesca Belmonte

You may recognise the vocals of Francesca Belmonte, who has appeared on Tricky‘s ‘False Idols’ and ‘Adrian Thaws’ albums and is subsequently signed to his own False Idols imprint.

The British/Italian has released the video for ‘Are You’. It is freakish R&B with a trip-hop beat, soulful vocals, and a video to match.

Pre-order the album on iTunes here.

Sounds like: James Blake, Salt Ashes, CHLØË BLACK, Jamie Woon, Jamie XX, The Weeknd, SOHN

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Worldwide Premiere Of ATON – Falling Apart

ATON - Falling Apart

ATON – Falling Apart

ATON (aka Eitan Akman) is a singer/songwriter in the experimental/alternative pop sub-genre based in Brooklyn, NY.

He cites his inspiration from all genres, including Paul SimonJames Blake and Frank Ocean, which may explain why ‘Falling Apart’ is so complex. Think folk and R&B fused electronica.

After completing a degree in Guitar Performance at Berklee College of Music in May 2012, Eitan moved to New York to pursue a career in music.

The project is the combined musical ideas of Eitan and producer Wahono (Oyinda).

‘Falling Apart’ will be released on 10 April.

Sounds like: Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Bon Iver, Oyinda, James Blake

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Lea Santee – Hopeless

Lea Santee

Lea Santee

LEA SANTEE is a Vienna based duo which consists of Lea Stöger & producer Manuel Hosp.

New track ‘Hopeless’ is the first single from the upcoming EP ‘Set This Fire’.

R&B injected, this track is brooding electronica with sultry vocals.

Sounds like: IYES, Ghosts, Monogem, July Child, London Grammar, Evvy, James Blake, Phoria, Ben Khan, The XX

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Murphy N Weller – Gloria & Alien

Murphy n Weller

Murphy n Weller

Murphy N Weller is a Hispanic/American electronic solo project from Portland, Oregon that began in 2011.

Their sound has been described as Italo pop, synthpop, disco, and R&B soul.

New track ‘Gloria & Alien’ is taken from their upcoming ‘Soft Horror EP’.

Sounds like: Washed Out, Summer Heart

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Great Good Fine Ok – Body Diamond EP

Great Good Fine Ok

Great Good Fine Ok

Great Good Fine OK (GGFO) is Brooklyn-based Luke and John.

Despite the release of ‘You’re The One For Me’ being welcomed with open arms by music lovers and blogs alike, GGFO never really got the recognition they deserved, but fear not they are back with an incredible EP and it thankfully includes ‘You’re The One For Me’ as the introductory track.

The second track on the ‘Body Diamond’ EP is ‘Not Going Home’; a twinkling pop gem perfect for fans of Passion Pit and Pistol Shrimp.

Third track ‘By My Side’ replicates a funky 80’s jam full of synth sax.

In comparison, the last track on the EP is more of a mellow one. ‘Say It All’ is familiarly Yeasayer-esque but with a twinge of tasty R&B in there.

The ‘Body Diamond’ EP is out today via Neon Gold Records and can be purchased on iTunes.

Tour dates with Betty Who below:

10/7 – Silver Spring, MD – Fillmore Silver Spring
10/8 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
10/10 – Boston, MA – Paradise
10/11 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
10/13 – Toronto, ON – The Mod Club
10/14 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues Chicago
10/15 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe @ Old National Center
10/17 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Cafe
10/18 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada Theatre
10/20 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre
10/21 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
10/24 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
10/25 – Vancouver, BC – VENUE
10/26 – Seattle, WA – Neptune
10/28 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
10/29 – West Hollywood, CA – House of Blues Los Angeles
10/30 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Anaheim

Sounds like: Lionel Richie, Ronika, Ghost Beach, Yeasayer, Phoenix, Tove Lo, Passion Pit, Pistol Shrimp

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Le Youth – Feel Your Love (Feat. Javeon) (RAC remix)

Le Youth - Feel Your Love Feat. Javeon (RAC remix)

Le Youth – Feel Your Love Feat. Javeon (RAC remix)

Le Youth is back, this time with Javeon in tow and complete with a remix courtesy of RAC.

Javeon’s voice remains intact on ‘Feel Your Love’, but RAC breathes some summertime vibes into what is already a sterdy 90’s inspired R&B based track by the L.A. producer.

We were initially concerned that Le Youth may have pigeoned himself into a genre that will soon pass in popularity, but having watched him play last week we are certain that the talented producer is here to stay.

Pre order the original on iTunes.

Sounds like: Javeon, RAC, Disclosure, Lane 8, Ben Pearce, Ben Khan, Duke Dumont, Foxes

Le Youth
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Javeon
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RAC
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Sasha Keable – Sweetest Talk

Sasha Keable

Sasha Keable

You may recognise Sasha Keable‘s vocals from ‘Voices’ by Disclosure. She is now releasing her own material and it is good.

‘Sweetest Talk’ is the soulful third track on her second EP ‘Lemongrass and Limeleaves’. Uncomplicated, it is full of mellow 80’s vibes and R&B beats. Keable is definitely one to watch.

‘Lemongrass and Limeleaves’ is out now on Polydor Records and can be downloaded for free here.

Sounds like: La Roux, BLSHS, Disclosure, Indiana, Iggy Azalea, Katy B, Disclosure, Chromeo, Jesse Ware

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Billy Fox – Mystery

Billy Fox

Billy Fox

The brand new video for ‘Mystery’ from Sydney producer, writer and musician Billy Fox is out and it explores a sci-fi retro romance.

Despite describing his sound as new-age R&B, the video isn’t a typical R&B style video. The tracks fits itself neatly in the seemingly simple (and quite amusing) video.

Purchase the track from iTunes here.

Sounds like: James Blake, Sam Smith, Jai Paul, Ben Khan, Crozet, Brotherun, One Bit, Until The Ribbon Breaks, TDeL2, James Vincent McMorrow

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