Harleighblu - “Queeen Dem” (feat. Bluestaeb & Janne Robinson)

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Jamila Woods, Erykah Badu, Noname

Harleighblu’s 2019 full-length She melds 90s-era new soul with modern alternate R&B in a cool, natural way, a dreamy, jazz and hip hop trip. The mood has a classic, smoky lounge air - Harleighblu’s croon at times takes feels like it’s bleeding off a fringed, black-and-white photo, studied in jazz-soul greats but delivered with understated swagger. A collaboration with hip hop producer Bluestaeb, also a SXSW artist this year, She brings in trip hop percussion, organic bass lines, at light, synthed out atmospherics as the future-soul backing for Harleighblu’s melodies. With a slight grit to her voice, Harleighblu avoids standard pop stylizing for vocals more oriented in funk, a dynamic and textured instrument that suits the sultry, midnight vibe of Bluestaeb’s beats. Dipping back into Harleighblu’s catalog finds tastes of the tasteful, creative sound of She, but it’s clear the Nottingham, UK based artist has truly committed to a singular sound on She. (Kevin McStravick)