Hello and welcome to June with The Soulful Sip.
Thank you again to all the new subscribers who have joined just in time for the lovely vibes of June.
I hope you are ready for some chilled, jazzy, soulful vibes this month, as we are spotlighting the one and only Snoh Aalegra, an icon within the neo-soul scene! We will also be exploring some new artists on my radar this month that really vary across the neo-soul/alt-R&B world. Hopefully, you will find a few tracks to add to your library.
The Main Pour
-Ugh, those feels again
There is one thing Snoh Aalegra knows what to sing about, and that is those all-too-familiar feelings when you are in those all-too-familiar situations with someone else.
This album feels like a much stronger addition to her discography than her previous album in 2017 (FEELS). Although there were some great tracks on that album, there is something about this one that feels way more grounded. Perhaps those two years were the perfect healing time to bring us the outstanding album from 2019.
Songs like I Want You Around, Situationship, Whoa, and Find Someone Like You are stacked back-to-back on the album, and they are flawless in my eyes. Perhaps Snoh just resonates with a young lady like myself in her late 20s, but I feel like musically these tracks just roll perfectly one after the other... especially those harmonies towards the end of Find Someone Like You, which are a dream.
I also forget about little gems on this album like Nothing to Me and Toronto, which add a slightly different edge to this album and give it a bit more of a funky feel. This album really does have it all and feels like the perfect album to have on in the background for a chilled evening with friends or just a relaxing afternoon with me, myself, and I.
We haven't heard much from Snoh since her single Be My Summer, which is a stunning tune, and her cover of Bobby Caldwell's classic What You Won't Do for Love. I hope we may hear something new from her soon!
If you are a fan of SAULT, Cleo Sol, and NAO, Snoh Aalegra and this album should
be right up your street.
Our Monthly Catch-Up
Matt Martians Matt’s Missing
Although initially I thought Matt Martians was someone I had not heard about before,
I soon realised I was already a big fan of his work. As one of the founding members of Odd Future and The Internet, I have been enjoying Matt’s work for years. You can hear many similarities in his work with The Internet, but there is so much creativity and clever production that sets his sound apart. This is particularly noticeable in his latest album release this year.
My favourite track from Matt’s Missing would definitely have to be Rushback.
There is so much energy in this track, and I knew straight away it would be going on my 2024 summer playlist! There is an element of old-school 90s funky jazz to this album, but it feels very refined and new at the same time. I feel like you can definitely hear what I am talking about in tracks like Perfect Warning and Best Girl.
If you are a fan of 2010s alternative R&B with artists like Tyler, the Creator, Steve Lacy, and of course The Internet, Matt Martians is a no-brainer. If you didn’t know him already as a solo artist, then please join me as one of his new fans in 2024.
Rau_Ze Virer nos vies
A songwriting duo called Rose Perron and Félix Paul, based in Montreal, really know how to deliver a jazzy/funky tune. Rose's vocal range is a dream, paired with the style they carry in their music. With their first album released this March, I can only wait eagerly for what they bring out next.
Rose has a lovely vocal range that just melts like butter in this genre, and may I say, the French just tops it off. Some of my favourite tracks on this album would have to be L’Habitude and Pas la peine.
It was hard to nail a sound that I feel is directly similar to Rau_Ze's vibe, but I think if you like artists like Still Woozy and Omar Apollo, Rau_Ze could be just what you are looking for.
Kaiit Space
I came across this artist fairly recently, but I really like their sound. Their latest single, which came out at the end of April, called Space, crossed my path and I instantly knew this song and I were going to get along. Their vocals, the steady vibey drum beat, and the funky bass that shows its face in the chorus are the perfect recipe for a great tune. This Aussie-based artist is not one to go under your radar. They have received many awards and have also been supported by one of the queens of neo-soul herself, Jill Scott.
If you are a fan of Amy Winehouse, and Remi Wolf, then Kaiit will feel right at home in your music library.
Kyle Dion If My Jeans Could Talk
Kyle is an artist I have been familiar with for a few years now, but after his new album release this year, I decided to explore where 2024 has taken his sound. If My Jeans Could Talk has a very different sound compared to his 2019 album, SUGA.
The album feels much more upbeat than what I am used to from Kyle but still complements his vocals with a funky undertone. Songs like Put My Hand in Your Pocket, Hang Me Out to Dry, and Boyfriend Jeans are my favourites from his latest album, but another song I really recommend from Kyle Dion would have to be Brown from his previous album.
If you are fans of artists like Childish Gambino, Dominic Fike, and Khalid, then I feel like Kyle Dion could be the next artist on your list.
The Brew
As usual, the playlist of the month that I am hoping will bring you chilled vibes for this June features all the artists from this month's newsletter and a few new gems you may not have heard before.
Let me know your thoughts and don't forget to save and share with all your alt-R&B/neo-soul friends!
The Grapevine
TIMELESS – As always, Kaytranada manages to bring out a song just in time for the summer. Last week, Kaytranada announced a new album dropping, and it doesn't sound like it is going to disappoint. With features such as Charlotte Day Wilson, Ravyn Lenae, Tinashe, Anderson .Paak, SiR, Childish Gambino, and Thundercat, I’m on edge waiting to see what magic should come from album!
He has been so kind to give us a sneak peek of what is to come with his latest single, "Lover/Friend," from the album. I think you can also pre save his album which is set to release on 7th June. If I am really blown away you may hear my thoughts for next months newsletter!
Thank you!!
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Until next time!!
You nailed it on the head with your assessment of Snoh's discography. While 'FEELS' had some moments, 'Ugh, those feels again' was a moment. I also listened to Kyle Dion's 'SUGA' way back when it first dropped and would recommend Topaz Jones' 'Don't Go Tellin' Yo Momma' if you're looking for a similar vibe
I saved the playlist and I’ll be vibing all month to it! I love your newsletters in addition to your daily notes!!! 🎶