Having released her debut EP, S.M.I.L.E in the summer of 2012, Dionne Reid has become a favourite on London's underground music circuit and with good reason. The South London born songstress wows audiences with crisp, soulful vocals, reggae flavour, and bags of charisma. Check out this version of her song 'She Can't'; performed as part of the Park Bench Sessions for sprkle.com
Artists on The Rise
When all the official tastemaker lists have gone out and it seems everyone has decided who the next crop of stars will be, it’s easy to forget that there are always new artists diligently working at their craft and creating some of the most inspiring music you could ever hope to hear. The UK is renowned for producing talented musicians with unique artistic vision. We wanted to put the spotlight on some of the emerging artists who embody this idea. Check out these four amazing artists on the rise...
North London singer, Kwabena Adjepong- professionally known as Kwabs, has been creating an exciting underground buzz for some time now. He came to attention in 2011 after appearing on the BBC 2 series, Goldie’s Band: By Royal Appointment. Since then he has recorded a series of video sessions, featuring performances of original material, as well as stunning cover versions of Corrine Bailey Rae’s tentative ballad, ‘Like a Star’, and James Blake’s ‘Wilhelm Scream’. Kwabs has received high praise from some of the industry’s most respected artists including Joss Stone, and India Arie- who described him as “magnificent” on her Twitter page.
His track, ‘Spirit Fade’ was released in early 2013. The sultry track is produced by Dave Okuma, who is lead singer of the three piece band, The Invisible and is also the producer of Jessie Ware’s impressive album, Devotion. ‘Spirit Fade’ is a mixture of gospel and R&B infused with soulful, electronic personality. The track is a blissful melange of isolated rhythms and echoic- baritone vocals, held together by an intermittent oozing bass line.
With his relatively small catalogue of available music, Kwabs has well and truly whet the appetites of his growing fan base.
Singer/songwriter, and guitarist, Ego Ella May is steadily raising her profile on London’s underground scene. In a short time she has built a reputation for sweetly soulful vocals; inspired, experimental production; and charismatic yet humble stage presence.
Ego Ella May released her debut EP, The Tree to much online acclaim. It’s a 6-track compilation of songs about love, growth and identity. The intensely mellow EP has jazz, soul, and R&B influences but The Tree is also laden with spacey, atmospheric instrumentation; summery- fresh melodies; and petal-soft vocals. These elements are skilfully assembled to create a delicately ethereal, yet progressive, neo soul sound.
Ego Ella May is a solid performer with engaging, understated charm. She possesses vocal versatility, which enables her to scat and freestyle over her music with seemingly effortless finesse. The Tree is a truly accomplished debut from this 20 year old Londoner.
Multitalented musician, Shakka became involved in music at a young age. Hailing from west London, the singer/songwriter, counts hip hop, motown, reggae, and garage among his musical influences. Having studied music theory and production, Shakka incorporates many diverse musical styles into his music with charismatic dexterity. He has toured most of the UK’s major towns and cities and created a buzz with his Shakkapella video series in which he uses a combination of beat -boxing and vocal harmony to create vibrant interpretations of popular songs. He has since compiled a downloadable collection called TheShakkapellas, featuring the re-imagined versions of Beyoncé’s ‘End of Time’ and Azealia Banks’ hit song, ‘212’.
In 2012 Shakka released his concept mixtape, The Shakka Crown Affair; an experimental album, which blends elements of R&B, electronic, jazz, and alternative rock. His latest single, ‘Sooner or Later’ is another sonically delightful amalgamation sounds. And he is responsible for the catchy hook on Wretch 32’s single, ‘Blackout’.
Shakka is truly an artist in his own lane, and it’s obvious, there are good things to come from this talented musician.
Tawiah is a singer/songwriter from south London who is fast becoming known for her stirring vocals, emotive lyricism and wonderfully eclectic sense of style. The BRIT School alumna spent some years cutting her teeth in the music industry as a backing singer for the likes of Corrine Bailey Rae and British indie band, The Guillemots. Tawiah was also selected to tour with Grammy award winning producer, Mark Ronson, as the lead singer of his band, The Version Players. She has also featured on a remix of the Cee Lo Green song ‘I Want You’ from his 2010 hit album The LadyKiller.
Tawiah’s debut EP In Jodi’s Bedroom was released in 2008. The 6-track collection fuses elements of jazz, rock, neo- soul, and R&B; and features the stand out tracks, ‘Watch Out’ and ‘Every Step’. Tawiah’s latest track, ‘Teardrop’ is taken from her upcoming new project entitled, FREEdom Drop. Produced by long time collaborator, Jodi Milliner, ‘Teardrop’ is a poignant song with an infectious beat. The quirky squeak of synthesizers and emotive vocals give the track an abstract yet accessible sound.
There is beautiful rawness and honesty in Tawiah’s music. She is one of the most exciting and unique artists coming out of the UK, right now.
See, good aren’t they? These budding artists are definitely ones to watch, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from these beautifully talented musicians.
Dionne Reid is a singer making a name for herself on the underground UK scene. Her music combines R&B, Soul, Reggae and House flavours. She released her debut EP S.M.I.L.E last summer and when you listen to it, that's about all you want to do! The natural charisma of Reid just shines through on every song. Her vocals are smooth and light. And she manages to strike a great balance between honesty and fun. S.M.I.L.E is a joy to listen to- just another great example of UK talent!!
London singer Shakka has been working the underground scene with his quirky, charismatic blend of Ska, Reggae, Pop and R&B. His new release 'Sooner or Later' produced by Deany Boy is off Shakka's forthcoming EP 'Foolishness'. It's upbeat, fresh, new music that proves, once again that there is greatness out there on the underground UK music scene. Enjoy.
