#IMDiscovers: The June Edition
Summer is here and it has been hot! Festival season has taken hold, holidays are a plenty, and of course, BBQ smoke is rising. But, to accompany the good times you need good tunes that match the vibes. IMDiscovers is back to bring the hottest music around from dynamic R’n’B duos to summery Drum’n’Bass. Whatever you’re looking for, we got you covered.
Mahalia FT JoJo-Cheat
Mahalia is back once again with a new anthem that is sure to be one of this year’s biggest R’n’B hits. Teaming up with an icon of the genre in JoJo, they harmonise expertly over this glitzy and fun production. This is sure to do well at the festivals and is a great teaser for the Leicester singer’s upcoming new album.
Leigh-Anne-Don’t Say Love
With Little Mix now on hiatus, we are seeing the girls begin their solo careers with Leigh-Anne now entering her hat into the ring. This dance-pop single with elements of UKG has club hit written all over it and reached the top 15 of the U.K. charts. It’s all about needing real love over something fake or casual, so it’s no surprise to see it go down well with the listening public. If future music goes over like this, we can expect a successful career for Pinnock.
Kali Claire FT Jaz Karis-I want you
After making her comeback early this year, Kali Claire is giving fans what they want on ‘I want you‘. R’n’B fans have been blessed with another juicy collab as she teams up with another one of the hottest names in the scene, Jaz Karis. This smooth number with a hint of Afrobeats shows off their vocals as they discuss a passionate desire for someone.
Maeta-When I Hear Your Name
On her latest EP, this L.A.-based R’n’B songstress once again makes her mark. This latest batch of tracks is pure bliss whether on the vibrant ‘Questions‘ or Lucky Daye collab ‘Clarity‘. ‘Through The Night‘ feels like the perfect closer with out-of-this-world vocals and buttery smooth production. This project was made for summer and Maeta is sure to be on many a playlist this season.
Ria Barkr-Alpha She
Proving that Nashville isn’t just about country, Ria Barkr dazzles on her new EP. Having recently gone on a U.K. radio tour and built up her following, she has shown her talents in the world of R’n’B. Singles like ‘tennis‘ and ‘monday‘ have already identified this, while new tracks such as ‘cake and ice cream‘ further hint she will only get bigger and better.
Eyelar-Care Like You
Having gained plenty of exposure in 2022 for her music with Fred again.. (who also produces here) and Gryffin, Eyelar continues her 2023 hot streak. ‘Care Like You‘ is already her third release of the year and does sound perfectly timed for the season. Her singing hits all the right notes over this synth-wave-inspired production as she talks about messing with someone to get their attention. It’s a great release and sure to take her to new heights.
[ KSR ]-Call My Phone
The Manchester singer and Purple List 2023 alumni has finally dropped his first song of 2023. This mellow piece of R’n’B sounds so smooth and almost feels like you’re in the clouds. His silky vocals leave you floating and in a calm and relaxed place. It’s a great start to his year and hopefully, we have more to come from this rising star.
Hamzaa FT 1SRAEL-Borderline
Having started her comeback with a couple of features, Hamzaa finally gives us her first solo material since 2021. This tranquil song has some great use of brass and electric guitar, while sits nicely next to her vocals. 1SRAEL did their thing on the production and Hamzaa proved once again why they’re a name to be reckoned with.
Arlo Parks-My Soft Machine
Having achieved another top 10 record, Arlo Parks proves she’s here to stay. Her second album continues to delve deep into her emotions and love life over a dreamy mixture of indie-pop and R’n’B. Alongside this are indie-rock tracks like ‘Devotion‘, which take her sound in a new direction. ‘Impurities‘ and ‘Blades‘ are sure-fire anthems, while ‘Pegasus‘ with Phoebe Bridgers is a top-notch collaboration.
Victoria Monét-On My Mama
With a new album on the way, Victoria Monét has blessed her fans with this funky piece of R’n’B. The brass really compliments her smooth and confident vocal delivery as she bigs herself up throughout. With it being Pride month, it is the perfect anthem to express self-love and belief in oneself. While we wait for that LP and a rumoured FLO collaboration, this will be on repeat.
Reneé Rapp-Snow Angel
Her first release since her ‘Everything To Everyone‘ EP, this track has already accumulated over 3.5 million streams on Spotify. That is no surprise when this anthemic ballad hits your eardrums with Rapp’s beautiful vocal delivery. It’s equally calming and moving, showing off why she is gaining so much attention since her debut last year. This is a gorgeous song and is sure to sound even better on her U.K. tour early next year.
piri & Tommy Villiers-nice 2 me
This duo continues to make fun and bouncy pop-D’n’B on their latest banger. The summery production is matched by piri’s catchy vocals as she desires kindness and love from someone she is interested in. It’s yet another bop from the Purple List members that is sure to go off over festival season.
Tay Iwar-Summer Breeze
Blending neo-soul, R’n’B, and Alté, this new EP is perfectly timed for summer. The title track is a tranquil number that will get people off their feet, while ‘Undercover Lover‘ is a love anthem. His choice of guests is also great and compliments him well including Juls and another killer feature from Kojey Radical on ‘Broken Promises‘. With so many different genres on display, this will fit plenty of moments during the warmer weather.
Alana Maria-YEA! YEA!
Alana Maria is a West London R’n’B artist who you’re set to hear more from in 2023 and beyond. Her second release of 2023, ‘YEA! YEA!‘ is definitely one for the dancefloor or a house party and is a perfect late-night vibe. Her dynamic vocalisation works well over the production, making for something truly ear-grabbing.
Summer Banton-Miss Me
After two years away, Summer Banton is back like she never left. This is soulful and perfect for a walk on a Summer’s day. Banton knows when to hit the high notes on the chorus and give it to you straight on the verses. Summer is in her name so you know it was going to fit the season and we can’t wait to hear more from this amazing voice.
Make sure to check out our last IMDiscovers here.