Women are warmth. Women are strength. Women are life-givers and soul soothers.
Every month we will curate a playlist of eight gorgeous, soulful tracks by female artists. Enjoy the first one selected with love by Donna Arendse of Lekker Collective. Image by Aurélien Buttin
Jorja Smith – Carry Me Home
Just before the end of last year, UK artist Jorja Smith released her 4-track EP, Project 11. “Carry Me Home” is the third track from the offering – a song that allows the listener to eavesdrop on the heartfelt communication between two souls expressing their innermost thoughts. From the spoken word intro, the whimsical guitar strains, and the slow, measured drums, the track nods to the old-school soul jams of the 90’s, while at the same time staying rooted in a certain modernity.
Abi Ocia – Running
London based songstress Abi Ocia is a breath of fresh air, creating smooth, soul-filled, alternative R&B with layers of electronica swimming throughout. Debut single “Running” is a silky offering awash with haunting electronic layers and perfectly executed soulful vocals.
Arima Ederra – Crystal Blue
https://soundcloud.com/arimaederra/crystalblue
There is nothing better than a song which gives you the most exquisite goosebumps with every listen, and Arima Ederra’s “Crystal Blue” is exactly that. A future-soul track which emits warm, earth-like energy in the shuffling beats and chimes, and simple, yet effective lyricism sung by a breathy, R&B vocal. Perfection.
Lianne La Havas – Gone
Lianne La Havas’ brand of folk driven soul is one that serves to soothe any sad soul. “Gone” was released as part of her 2012 debut album “Is You Love Big Enough”. Her poignant storytelling and gorgeous vocal performance, coupled with a simple piano accompaniment, makes this song all the more beautiful. An equal representation of strength and vulnerability is displayed in both the audio and visual elements, reiterating exactly why her career took off at the rate it did.
Charlotte Day Wilson – Work
Toronto soul singer and multi-instrumentalist Charlotte Day Wilson recently released her debut album CDW. Dazzling second single “Work” is a slow moving offering, awash with soulful, gospel tinged harmonies, organ strains, and a comforting bass line.
Lyves – No Love
https://soundcloud.com/lyves/nolove
Lyves (aka Francesca Bergami) is London based singer, songwriter and producer who possesses a blissful, breathy R&B vocal, and a gorgeous atmospheric style of production. “No Love”, co-produced by Atu, and taken from the EP she dropped last week, Like Water, is a haunting example of modern R&B. Minimal, spacious production allow room for her vocal to float effortlessly above well placed beats, subtle guitar licks and minor piano chords.
Connie Constance – Lose My Mind
Connie Constance possesses a wonderfully grounded, soulful voice, and presence. “Lose My Mind” is a stripped back, intimate exploration of the tenderness and care shown in a relationship, driven only by piano chords, Connie’s powerful vocal, and intermittent choir melodies. The ballad type delivery is entrenched in soul and jazz influences, and it is quite refreshing to see such introspective themes from a relatively young artist.
“Lose My Mind focuses on when a man looks after a woman intimately and cares for her in times when life gets too intense. I wanted to show men in a positive light.”
Bubble Rap – Twice (Little Dragon Cover)
London based singer Bubble Rap (aka Demae Chioma Wodu) has done true justice to Little Dragon’s “Twice”. A track which has been covered by Lianna La Havas, TORA, and countless other artists, the relatively anonymous artist has created a sultry, beat driven rendition, featuring well placed harmonies and vocal additions. We only wish it was longer than 1.55 minutes!
Words by Donna Arendse
