When it comes to R&B music there are plenty of love songs out there. But some of the most memorable R&B tracks are the ones that also tell a story.
Here are some of the best indie R&B songs that do just that:
- “Kill Bill” feat. Doja Cat by SZA
- “Try me” feat Jorja Smith
- “Fly Girl” feat Missy Elliott , FLO
- “Always (feat Summer Walker) Daniel Caesar
- “Talk to Me Nice” feat PartyNext Door
- “Jealous” with Ella Mai
These songs tackle themes like heartbreak, self-discovery, and navigating relationships. They’re perfect for when you want to listen to something that’s both soulful and meaningful.
R&B has been know for telling heartfelt and emotional stories through its music, and the indie R&B scene today is no exception.
Todays indie artists are creating R&B that reflects modern trends in music. These artists are creating music that is both relatable and unique. They are pushing the boundaries of R&B and creating a new sound that is fresh and exciting. If you’re a fan of R&B or just looking for some new music to listen to, be sure to check out these indie artists and their amazing storytelling abilities..
The R&B Trends for 2023 are expected to be more experimental offering blends of genres and bright new stars who will rise quickly.
The R&B Music Trends to Know in 2023
What you want to look out for in 2023 R&B music is more collaborations between artists from different genres, incorporating more electronic sounds and synth-heavy beats, and the continued use of personal storytelling and vulnerability in lyrics. Additionally, there will likely be more emphasis on visual storytelling through music videos and live performances. Keep your eyes and ears open for these emerging trends in R&B music in the coming years.
Some of the artists that stand out in this genre for us were recently discovered.
Here are some of the Best New R&B Artists that you should watch in 2023:
- #imwitcha by Jyshoun
- ‘No Goodbye’ by Senobia
- Give me Your Heart by T.Roy
- “Broadway B” — Left Right
- Light by Marielle Divino
- STARDUST by JXKR. (pronounced Joker)
- “Tacit (feat. Una Mey)” by JVLY
- “Run from you” by Kaden Frost
- “Not done” by v3x – D34D
- MMI by Ess B
Jyshoun – #imwitcha
Music Genre: R&b/Pop
Vibe: Chill, Love
Located in: Boston Ma
Sounds like: A new wave of R&b
Jyshoun – #imwitcha is melting that smooth R&B sound with an incredible vocal range and a modern flow mixed with some traditional pop arrangements. This artist is seriously bringing class and style to the genre and leaves me feeling excited about his future. Not only does he have vocal talent, he’s got the rhythm of artists like The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Frank Ocean.
#imwitcha is a song written to bring love back. As an artist I felt hip hop and R&b lost the love. I wanted to be responsible for giving the world a song to post when people want to show off their relationships.
‘No Goodbye’ by Senobia
EP – Time To Breathe
Music Genre: Jazz, R&B, Soul
Vibe: Funk, Groove
Located in: Greater Savannah Area
The soulful Jazz Ballad ‘No Goodbye’ stops you in your tracks. Senobia delivers this heart-wrenching bluesy vocal filled with presence. Honestly I felt that this sound and style was the best suited for this artist from the entire EP. All the songs are terrific but ‘No Goodbye’ really resonated with me. She really shows off her skills as a vocalist, range and rhythm. There’s alot of brilliance in how she conquers that song that reminds me of great singers from the 50’s with a bit of Adele rolled in. Now that’s I’ve heard this, I’m anxious to hear more of it.
Give me Your Heart by T.Roy
t.Roy is a solo artist who hires a band when it makes sense. Lots of great players for friends, but I’m not hiring them unless they can get paid well! This song is from a new 16 song project, but the next 16 songs album is already done (for release late summer 2023) so I’m looking for promotion on this song/album (Dining Area) and live gigs…maybe a record label?
Broadway B – Left Right
Music Genre: Pop/R&B
Vibe: Soulful pop
Located in: Los Angeles
Sounds like: Aloe Blacc
Left Right by Broadway B is a brilliant play on soldier culture. This artist is clever and inspires me with his songwriting. The song is uplifting and gives unity to a common struggle by identifying in a relatable way. The melody it catchy with a syncopated pace that feels like a soldier march. I love everything about this song from theme to purpose. Broadway B is one to watch this year as he’s just dropped a piece of music that’s not only relevant to these times, but could easy be a milestone for his career.
Marielle Divino – Light
Music Genre: Alternative R&B
Vibe: reminiscent, dreamy
Located in: Toronto
Sounds like: Dijon, Orion Sun, Ryan Beatty, boylife, Choker
Marielle Divino’s sound on Light is more than distinctive, it’s a dream come true for R&B fans. Her smooth and breathy flavours of vocals bring a soundscape quality to her music. R&B is always looking for new voices who can write songs that resonate and Marielle is that light in the dark for 2023.
Marielle Divino (born April 29, 2000) is an independent artist and singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Ontario. With a distinctive sound that combines elements of alternative soul/R&B, pop, and indie. Her newest single, ‘Light’ anticipating a fallout and feeling safe in the moment, but not necessarily secure in the long run. It’s about after everything being over – the hope that they’ll keep a place for you and that time in their life is not forgotten.
JXKR. (pronounced Joker) – STARDUST
Music Genre: R&B/Soul
Vibe: Chill, laid-back
Located in: Ottawa, ON, Canada
STARDUST is a song about a woman in a “situationship” with a man and she’s starting to develop feelings for him, assuming that he does not feel the same way so she says goodbye. The vocals are laid back with a flowing soulful vibe supported by layers of music with both modern and traditional R&B influences. The song has a nice follow through and demonstrates a nice strength for this producer in the genre.
Haitian-Canadian musician/producer from Ottawa, Canada, JXKR started playing the piano at the age of 5, learned how to play the bass and the drums in high school with dreams of becoming a full-time producer in the industry. He dropped his first single called Rendez-Vous in April 2022 and is currently working on an EP hopefully to drop in the fall. His goal is to work with local artists and to grow as an artist, share his passion for music with the members of his community and the world.
“Tacit (feat. Una Mey)” by JVLY
Music Genre: R&B/Soul, Alt-pop
Vibe: happy
Located in: Newcastle, Australia
Sounds like: Tom Misch, Charlotte Day Wilson, Omar Apollo
Australian artist JVLY has the kind of music that changes your brain. The music is atmospheric with elements bring ethereal sounds together that inspire focus. The relaxing melodies and captivating movements relax your mind providing a mental escape for the listener. JVLY’s new single ‘Tacit’ (feat. Una Mey) has a soothingly uplifting sound that plays well with guest vocalist Canadian artist Una May. Her sound is warm and entrancing. She’s the perfect partner for this talented music creator giving the production a sweetness. Love it.
“Run from you” by Kaden Frost
Music Genre: Hiphop/rnb
Vibe: Smooth
Located in: Utah
Sounds like: Logic
Kaden Frost’s ‘Run from you’ offers an easy flow with excellent vocal clarity. His R&B vibe layering hiphop over an acoustic guitar production is simply unique. This track stands out in a crowded genre filled with power tracks and hype. I found it refreshing and important to the genre showing that things can be done in different ways. This is a very creative hip hop song. Way to think outside the box.
“Not done” by v3x – D34D
Music Genre: Alternative, Indie, R&B
Vibe: indie billie
Located in: New York.. moved to LA
One artist who has been diving deeper into this vein of music is v3x. Her single ‘D34D’ from 2021 captures this elegant and fragile sound effortlessly. Its catchy lofii bedroom grooves are addicting and set an easy listening backdrop to those chill weekends of summer. I really love how she blends in a repetitive backing vocal that supports the rhythm well yet honest compete with the lead vocal.
Her voice is unique with a recognizable sound and interesting presence. I love how she uses her stylized vocals to frame the song rhythm further accenting the beat and timing of the instruments.
MMI by Ess B
Shaquille Browne also known as Ess B is a versatile artist that focuses on creating music that captures fans of all ages with a sweet melodious sound that will have them coming back for more. Ess B was born in Canada, but grew up in St. Vincent in the Grenadines and fell in love with the Caribbean flair and vibe. His love for being an instrumentalist quickly evolved pushing him to the front of the stage as a vocalist. Now that he is back to his roots in Toronto he wishes to be recognized and placed in the spotlight to test his skills even more as he brings new music to the industry for all to enjoy. Ess B enjoys music and has a great passion and love for the art form and wishes for the opportunity to be internationally exposed for his music to be heard and felt by many.
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