The music landscape is constantly evolving, and amidst the ever-changing waves of creativity, a new generation of talented female artists is rising to the forefront. In this article, we delve into the vibrant world of hip hop, neo-soul, R&B, and Jersey hip hop, shining a spotlight on 11 remarkable up-and-coming musicians who are breaking barriers and making their mark.
Miriam Nyarko – Built On You
Introducing 20-year-old Hertfordshire-based singer, songwriter, actress and dancer MIRIAM NYARKO with her brand new single titled ‘BUILT ON YOU’. Written and composed by Miriam Nyarko, and produced by Samuel Jinadu, who has also worked with the likes of MOBO Award winner Still Shadey and The Voice UK winner Annatoria, ‘Built On You’ is an infectious musical offering that is driven by Miriam’s exquisite voice, her R&B fuelled harmonies and melodies, lush guitar arrangements, afrobeats-tinged percussion drums, and an uplifting faith-filled message.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Built On You’ and how the song came about, Miriam Nyarko says, “the track was created in under half an hour, and easily became one of the most favourite songs I’d ever written. The song is inspired by my Bible verse for 2023, Matthew 7:25, which says, ‘The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundations on the rock’. This song is my personal testimony shared to inspire anyone listening. This is my love story, my faith story, declaring that God is my firm foundation”.
Speech Debelle – Come Your Way
Corynne Elliot, better known as Speech Debelle kicked in the music industry’s backdoor in 2009, waving her sensitive, introspective Mercury Prize ‘British Album of the Year’ and debut album ‘Speech Therapy’, beating the likes of Florence and the Machine, Kasabian and La Roux. Her 2012 Kwes-produced sophomore album ‘Freedom Of Speech’ commanded further critical acclaim, while expanding Speech’s captivating flair for poetic testimonies, playful narratives and dynamic rumination on power, politics and pleasure.
She later stepped away from music for a few years to develop her other passions; her zeal for cooking tantalised the nation with her inventive recipes as a semi-finalist on Celebrity MasterChef, while in 2013 her socially conscious drive saw her curating a moving exhibition of art by prisoners for the Koestler Trust’s ‘The Strength and Vulnerability Bunker’ at the Southbank Centre.
Speech combined her love for music and food in her weekly podcast ‘The Work Brunch’, where she cooked and discussed music, life and inspiration with a range of esteemed guests, such as Lianne La Havas, Nitin Sawhney, Shabaka Hutchings and Mikill Pane.
She accompanied her third album ‘Tantil before I breathe’ with her own cookbook and memoir expressing that ‘music and food are art – they heal and inspire’. The nine songs spanning all three of her albums tell a story of abandonment, the artistic process, critical acclaim, record label mistakes and healing, with a delicious, inspired recipe for each.
Abby Power – Problems (Prod by SamXVI)
Hailing from North West London, rapper and songwriter Abby Power has been writing and recording music since 2010.
Beginning her journey into music writing poetry, inspired by Def Jam poetry slams, she soon cascaded into song writing, drawing influence from the likes of Ms. Lauryn Hill Kanye West and Mos Def.
Abby took a 5 year break from music and made her triumphant return in 2020 with a string of notable singles and collaborations, as well as her EP Abby Power – Home Is where the start Is EP
Since then, Abby has released a second EP Class of ’94 just 3 months after Abby Power – Home Is where the start Is EP both of which bagged the #1 spot on Amazon UK’s Rap & Hip Hop chart from pre-sales alone. As well as this, Abby has been played on 25 different radio shows (as of July 2021) including BBC Introducing London and BBC Radio London, has gained over 60,000 Spotify streams & over 100,000 Apple music streams, as well as placements with Count Blessings (Prod by Frances The Mute) on Spotify’s editorial playlists New Music Friday UK & Fresh Finds UK & Ireland
Abby released a Hip Hop EP titled influenced in January 2022, reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Hot New Releases chart, and being featured across publications like EARMILK.
MELONYX – At The Door
Georgia Copeland and Nadia Latoya met in Nottingham as teenagers while both performing at a local community arts centre where Georgia practiced dance and Nadia focused on music. Bonding as individual artists in their own right, over time they formed a firm friendship built on encouragement and support for one another.
Through providing backing vocals and arranging joint covers they joined forces to gig the Nottingham music scene; inevitably cultivating a longstanding desire to produce original music together. Written and recorded with renowned UK Hip Hop producer Joe Buhdha, the “Black Elixir” EP (released on Brighton-based label Tru Thoughts) is the embodiment of a series of recurring conversations MELONYX had throughout their time working together.
Drawing on influences from the worlds of Hip Hop, Neo Soul and Lovers Rock, the release sheds light on the high value, power, and energy of Black women. The release has received support from DJ Ace and Rampage (BBC 1Xtra), China Moses and Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Domu, Toshio Matsuura, Aaron Byrd (KCRW), Mr Scruff, Bandcamp Daily, EARMILK, Worldplay Magazine and Stereofox. MELONYX worked alongside Terri Walker to record “Sugarcane & Lime” for the “Beautiful Pairings” EP; produced by Zed Bias and released on Big Community Records.
The collaborating trio performed the track at Notting Hill Carnival on the Rampage Sound Stage. They were announced as Best Newcomer at the Groundbreaking BlacOut Soul Awards 2022.
Aryeè The Gem – To It
Atlanta-based singer, songwriter, and vocal producer ARYEÈ THE GEM returns with an exquisite new R&B jam titled ‘TO IT’. Produced by Trakmatik, who has also worked with the likes of Snoh Aalegra, Keyshia Cole, and August Alsina, ‘To It’ is the first single from Aryeè The Gem’s upcoming debut solo EP, which is set to be released this summer via independent label Saint & Citizen Music.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘To It’, Aryeè The Gem says, “This song was inspired by one of my character flaws, which is overthinking. There have been periods in my life where things have been difficult, and I was immersed in the feeling of the unknown. In those times, I learned who I really was through my ability to face those problems and work through them, instead of masking them with things that would provide temporary relief. Ultimately, I wanted to shine a light on those emotions that aren’t necessarily deemed as ‘positive’ and emphasize that those feelings are equally as important”.
Lo Artiz – get by
“A vibey bilingual track for the latina sad girl.”
Meet Lo Artiz, a Miami-born, LA-based independent music artist.
Raised by first-gen Cuban & Costa-Rican American parents, Artiz combines the worlds of Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, & Motown influences in her signature sound that has garnered attention over the years. A sonic wildcard, often compared to the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, & Janis Joplin – Lo is what the world needs right now. A multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, song-writer, producer, arranger, & powerhouse performer with a vocal range that stretches beyond usual limits – Lo is a force of mystical nature. Her 2022 saw a twice sold-out headlining show at the Viper Room and a sold out show at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Raelle – Falling
“It’s not just words on a page or notes being played, it’s all about feelings,” is what South London soul singer Raelle says about music. Inspired by an eclectic mix of artists from Isaac Hayes to Beach House and Janis Joplin to Cleo Sol, her lyrics transport you into her world and her vocal harmony arrangements wash over you fully encapsulating you into her world of sweet classic soul. Although still a newcomer, she was picked for ‘Glastonbury Emerging Artists’ Longlist 2022,’ and has garnered support from BBC 1xtra DJs such as Jamz Supernova and DJ Target, and BBC introducing. She has performed at notable venues such as The Jazz Café London, Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, and festivals across the country.
Elle Baez – Player’s Fool (Who Am I?)
After opening for Bea Miller at the VS Pink x PopSugar Show (featured in PopSugar Magazine) and performing all over the East Coast on a tour sponsored by VS Pink in 2022, Trailblazing Latina singer-songwriter Elle Baez is ready to enter 2023 with a bang. Known for her self-love & empowerment music, 2022 Singles “Pretty Insecurities” and “Mister Possessive” and her 2021 Debut EP “Bold Soul” with praise from tastemakers such as Euphoria’s Best Songs of 2021 (alongside Lil Nas X, Kacey Musgraves, Billie Eilish & TSwift), LADYGUNN, Flaunt Magazine, Onestowatch, The New Nine, SweetyHigh and more, Elle’s changing the world with her innovative pop-soul music and message. Aside from her own artist project, Baez is a Recording Academy recognized songwriter, featured by The Grammy’s for co-writing artist Scarlet Parke’s hit single “369”.
Cookiee Kawaii – Candy
Cookiee Kawaii became known outside of New Jersey with the jittering, mattress-squeaking club track “Vibe” which went viral in 2019 and became even more popular the next year with TikTok users. Unrestricted by genre, the vocalist’s stylistic range cuts across Jersey-club, R&B, and rap. The daughter of house DJs, Vanice Palmer was born into music and has been recording since the early 2010s. After she adopted her stage name, a display of her love for sweets and anime, she peeked above the underground New Jersey scene and now reaches club/dance fans across the globe!
Freedust – Worth Your While
A unique fusion of genres ranging from funk-soul to breaks and electronic is Freedust: blended jazzy pop layered with loose, lighthearted vocals to create a synthesis of sound as classic as it is new. Initially founded by dynamic Italian composer Daniele Carmosino and Swedish singer Lisa Widmark, the project has gone on to feature a number of accomplished artists around the globe. Freedust creates feel-good melodies, irresistibly bouncy beats, and a raw, soulful musical energy with a vintage vibe.
Rowe – Floating
Rowe is the solo project of Los Angeles-based vocalist and songwriter Beck Filip. Her latest single “Floating” is a dreamy, soulful song about the desire to live with your head in the clouds when faced with the reality of a difficult relationship. It’s just a taste of what is to come from Rowe in 2023. Listen to “Floating” on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, and everywhere else on April 21st, 2023.
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