Soul

Monarchs: ft. Celeste – a Monarchs Mixtape

Monarchs is a surprising band that people who enjoy hip hop, alternative and soul should take note of. The group is led by the sultry and sexy Southern belle, Celeste Griffin. Currently based in Austin, Texas; the singer has several backing musicians that help complete her crew. Together, they combine to create a powerful and soulful sound complete with catchy beats and samples. Ft. Celeste is their latest record. They've released previous ones too, particularly The Rise and Fall; Those Words, Those Frames and The Oak EP. All of which are up for purchase over at BandCamp.

Iyadede: The Demo

Iyadede has the right ingredients to put up the perfect musical recipe. With twelve eclectic songs produced by Abdul and Bless, The Demo delivers a breath of fresh air to the music scene. Born by the name Sabrina Iyadede, the singer/songwriter was raised in Kigali, Rwanda but later moved to Belgium due to the genocide escalation. She then transfered to Brooklyn, New York where she's currently residing. These life experiences shaped the tracks in this set. The singer's soulful voice set the album in motion in Not the Same, a love song accompanied with a funky strum, eighties sounding synths and a bass groove.

Kristin Diable & The City: Kristin Diable & The City

From the strong vocals that welcome you in God's Chambers, you'll instantly realize that Kristin Diable has definitely got something up their sleeves. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the strong voiced singer left her hometown to try out her luck in the big city. She moved to New York City for a good long while before deciding to make New Orleans her new home in 2009. Kristin Diable & The City is her latest album. It features 12 tracks recorded live in her apartment to help capture the beauty of the moment and add great sincerity to the sound.

Tha Boogie: Love Tha Boogie Vol.1 (Steal This Sh*t) [Extended Version]

Love Tha Boogie creates their new album with such confidence it seems no more of a shock than a new haircut. Hailing from Rancho Cucamonga, the urban pop trio of Korus, Lejin and NuSchool offers Love Tha Boogie Vol.1 (Steal This Sh*t) Extended Version - a collection of twelve upbeat songs that exude pure undeniable talent. The album comes as a free download over at Bandcamp, with some lovely bonus tracks so be sure to check it out!

Night Reports: You’re All Out

Another band that you wouldn't think is composed of only two people at the helm; Night Reports create beautiful indie rock music with a touch of soul. Long time friends, Derrick Brown and Beau Jennings, have both collaborated in various projects before. However, they've never tackled anything similar to Night Reports. Although the collaboration started out slowly, with both of them passing MP3s and recorded files via email and voice message; they eventually compiled what has become You're All Out. The record is a concept album of sorts, as it revolves around an athlete who is down in the dumps and living (and reliving) his life in his glory days.

Stefano Mocini: A Cat Playing

If you are looking for a soulful, rich, and inspiring instrumental sounds that will help to smooth out your day, then we have something just for you. Stefano Mocini's A Cat Playing is one of the most melodious piano only compilations I have stumbled upon in a long time. With each track outperforming the previous one, A Cat Playing is one of the few albums where pin pointing the favorite song is nearly impossible; even after few long listens. The melodies brilliantly flow and connect each of the tracks; and all this is managed with just a single instrument.

Immortal Beats: Sample Your Mind EP

This isn't just the latest compilation from Immortal Beats, it is a compilation that certainly deserves a listen. Sample Your Mind is a 14-track record that combines easy-listening R&B with some smooth vocal samples. Released back in 2010, the album is perfect for those comfy and relaxing nights where you just want to sit back, drink a glass of bubbly with your partner and enjoy the evening. Released back in 2010, the album is perfect for those comfy and relaxing nights where you just want to sit back, drink a glass of bubbly with your partner and enjoy the evening. Immortal Beats is a German producer that definitely knows his way around smooth and ready-to-mingle beats. He has released 5 records so far and each one of them merits a listen. However, if you want something to get you started, Sample Your Mind is a good place to start.

Kursed: Like a Coffee

The cover for Like a Coffee might look like one of those bossa nova records you see lying around in Starbucks, but the fact is, this compilation is far from anything bossa nova. The record is a tipsy, indie grunge rock affair from three guys from Montpellier, France. This is the band's second record. Their first album, Psychotic Lowland, was a success; obtaining great reviews from listeners in Jamendo. Like a Coffee is much like their first album, only a bit more tighter and incorporates more experimental sounds in the process. Kursed has been around since 2003. Thanks to their art rock/experimental sound they're easily winning listeners left and right.

Smarton Trio +1 Remixes

In need for some more than chilled sounds to spice up your weekend? If so you are in on a little treat from our friends in Budapest. Smarton Trio +1 Remixes released by Budabeats Netlabel in March of this year is a great compilation of remixes of the jazzy band Smarton Trio by some of the Hungary's best DJs around, including M.W.D., Suhov, Dermot, JumoDaddy, Savages y Suefo, Ba10+Bal, and Franco Mento.