How To Find New Artists in the R&B Revival

The resurgence of Rhythm and Blues (R&B) in recent years has become one of the most significant cultural shifts in music. The R&B revival is not merely about revisiting the sounds and styles of the past but reimagining the genre in a way that speaks to contemporary sensibilities while honoring its rich legacy. As a listener, finding new artists within this revival can be a journey of exploration, from mainstream platforms to hidden gems in underground circles. This article will delve into the strategies for discovering new R&B artists, examining how to approach the genre's revival and where to look for fresh voices and sounds.

Understanding the R&B Revival

Before diving into the methods of discovering new R&B artists, it's crucial to understand what the R&B revival represents. The genre, once at the peak of global popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with legendary figures such as Whitney Houston, Usher, and Aaliyah, saw a decline as other genres, particularly pop and hip-hop, took over the mainstream music scene in the early 2000s. However, with the rise of artists like Frank Ocean, Solange, Janelle Monáe, and The Weeknd, R&B has experienced a major comeback, albeit with a twist.

This revival blends the soulfulness and emotion of classic R&B with influences from hip-hop, electronic music, jazz, and even indie rock. Artists like SZA, H.E.R., and Bryson Tiller have pushed the boundaries of R&B, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and avant-garde. These artists, along with many others, are reviving the genre and making it feel contemporary and relevant to new generations of listeners.

Streaming Platforms: Your Gateway to Discovery

In the age of digital music, streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal have become primary tools for discovering new artists. These platforms offer a wealth of resources that can help you find emerging talent in the R&B scene.

Playlists

One of the most accessible ways to find new R&B artists is through curated playlists. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music regularly update playlists that highlight up-and-coming R&B talent. Some popular playlists to follow for discovering new artists include:

• Spotify's "Fresh Finds" and "RapCaviar": While primarily focused on hip-hop, these playlists often feature artists who blend R&B with rap and electronic elements.
• Apple Music's "R&B Now" and "Soulful Sounds": These playlists often feature both established and emerging R&B talent.
• Tidal's "R&B Essentials" and "R&B Future Hits": Tidal is known for its high-fidelity streaming quality, and its playlists cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike, offering a mixture of well-known artists and newcomers.

By regularly following these playlists, you can stay up-to-date with the latest releases and the artists who are shaping the sound of the revival.

Algorithmic Recommendations

Another powerful tool provided by streaming platforms is the algorithmic recommendations that come based on your listening habits. For instance, Spotify's "Discover Weekly" and Apple Music's "For You" playlists suggest new music based on your listening patterns. If you regularly listen to artists like SZA, H.E.R., or Daniel Caesar, the platform will suggest similar artists who are exploring similar sounds, whether mainstream or emerging.

Algorithms also work well for niche interests. If you're interested in a specific subgenre of R&B, like neo-soul or alternative R&B, platforms will recommend artists who fit those subgenres, broadening your search for new talent.

Social Media: Connecting with Artists and Fans

In the modern music industry, social media has become an essential tool for artists to connect with fans and showcase their work. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are filled with unsigned and independent R&B artists who are gaining attention through their social media presence.

Instagram and TikTok

Instagram and TikTok have become essential platforms for discovering new music. TikTok, in particular, has become a discovery engine for emerging artists, with songs going viral and propelling underground artists into the mainstream. The key here is following artists and influencers who share your musical interests. Many independent R&B artists post snippets of their music or engage in musical challenges, allowing you to explore their sounds and discover fresh talent.

On Instagram, independent artists often share their work through IGTV, Reels, or Stories. Many artists use these features to share behind-the-scenes content, album previews, or intimate acoustic performances. Following independent R&B artists and checking out their posts is an excellent way to discover talent that may not yet have chart-topping hits but is making waves within niche communities.

Twitter and Artist Communities

Twitter is another platform where R&B fans and artists interact in real-time. Music enthusiasts often tweet about emerging talent, and artists themselves use Twitter to engage with fans and share new music. Engaging in Twitter conversations about new releases or following music hashtags such as #RnB, #NeoSoul, or #AltRnB can direct you toward underground artists who are gaining attention within the R&B revival.

Additionally, many R&B artists use social media to announce new releases, collaborations, or upcoming projects, allowing fans to stay informed and get early access to fresh music. By engaging with artist communities, you can be one of the first to discover new talent.

Music Blogs and Websites: Curating the Best of the New

Despite the dominance of streaming platforms and social media, music blogs and websites remain invaluable resources for discovering emerging artists. Websites such as Pitchfork, Fader, and Okayplayer often feature profiles of up-and-coming R&B artists, along with reviews and interviews that offer insight into their musical styles and influences.

Specialized R&B Blogs

In addition to mainstream music blogs, there are also websites and blogs that focus exclusively on R&B and soul music. These sites regularly feature new artists and provide reviews and analyses of the latest releases. Some notable R&B blogs include:

• SoulBounce: A platform dedicated to R&B, soul, and neo-soul music, SoulBounce often features new artists and tracks.
• The FADER's R&B Section: FADER's R&B section often introduces emerging artists and highlights under-the-radar talent.
• Pigeons & Planes: While not solely focused on R&B, Pigeons & Planes frequently highlights new R&B artists and innovative takes on the genre.

By regularly reading these blogs, you can stay informed about new releases and discover artists who may not yet be on your radar but are making waves in the industry.

Collaborations and Features: The Power of Guest Appearances

Collaborations are one of the most powerful ways to discover new artists in the R&B scene. Established artists often collaborate with rising stars to produce tracks that combine different musical styles and reach wider audiences. When a well-known artist features on another artist's track, it often signals that the featured artist has something unique to offer.

For instance, when artists like Drake or J. Cole feature on R&B tracks, they bring significant attention to the guest artists, who often go on to gain their own followings. Similarly, collaborations between R&B artists and musicians from other genres, such as hip-hop, electronic, or indie rock, can create exciting fusions of sounds and introduce listeners to fresh voices.

Watching for collaborations and guest features can help you spot rising talent, even if those artists are not yet the primary focus of the song.

Live Shows and Local Music Scenes: The Underground Movement

While online platforms and media are crucial for discovering new artists, there's something to be said about the live music scene and local performances. Many artists in the R&B revival circuit are performing in smaller venues, whether in major cities or on a smaller, more intimate level.

Concerts and Festivals

Attending live shows, particularly local performances and smaller R&B festivals, can be an excellent way to discover new artists. Concerts often showcase up-and-coming talent, and the experience of hearing an artist perform live can deepen your connection to their music. Whether it's a local open mic night or an R&B-focused festival, seeing artists live in action offers a unique chance to discover the raw talent behind the music.

Supporting Local Talent

If you're looking for the freshest voices in the genre, consider checking out your local music scene. Many cities, particularly those with a rich musical history such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York, are home to a thriving underground music scene. Small venues, bars, and lounges often host live R&B performances, allowing you to hear new artists before they hit the mainstream.

Conclusion

The R&B revival is one of the most exciting cultural movements in contemporary music, and discovering new talent within this resurgence can be both thrilling and rewarding. Whether you're using streaming platforms, social media, music blogs, collaborations, or live shows, there are countless ways to uncover the next big thing in R&B. As the genre continues to evolve and intersect with other styles, there has never been a better time to explore the depth and diversity of new artists emerging from the R&B revival. By staying curious, engaged, and open to new sounds, you can be part of the movement and witness the next wave of R&B artists who are shaping the future of music.

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