Begonia - “Beats”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Celeste, Summer Walker, Phantogram

Begonia evolves a classic new-soul sound into contemporary, electronic R&B realms on Fear, the Canadian artist’s debut full-length released last fall. Begonia’s voice is an ultra-rich soul instrument (skip to “The Other Side” for an impressive display of range and power), dynamic especially in the softer moments throughout Fear and rightly taking lead melody over her often dreamy, trip hop grooves. More mysterious than outright pop-oriented, Begonia smartly holds back to let her music float rather than overpower with hooks and melody. It gives her sound more emotional heft too, finding beautiful space between ambience and full-powered soul through her consistent debut LP. (Kevin McStravick)