Begonia - “Cold Night”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Celeste, Summer Walker, Phantogram

Begonia’s sophomore LP Powder Blue is due this February and is already previewed by a couple of tracks including the pensive and patient “Cold Night”. Subtle R&B melodies, little symphonic swells, and jazzy percussion set a mood that Begonia controls with ease. It’s clear the Canadian artist has strong natural pipes, but she’s smart to draw that back to set a tone that is equally sweet and haunting. “Right Here” is comparatively upbeat, finding a cool soul groove that Begonia matches with a funky vocal bounce. Overall, Powder Blue looks to show growth in the quality of Begonia’s sound and songwriting and is a record worth adding on your early 2023 radar heading into SXSW. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: Begonia has strung together a series of solid singles since her 2019 debut Fear, notably exploring different components of the genre, throwback R&B, neo-soul, and electronic pop included. Interestingly, Begonia sounds best in the cleanest moments of her songs, letting her natural, rich vocals reverberate with controlled passion. “Bus” throws back to warm, 80s synth-pop, lush bedroom vibes (“Heaven”) and contemplative soul in “It’s Too Quiet” rounding out an artist trying on different soul shoes at this moment in her career.