PLAYDATE. Picks R&B (with GenDirect)
You commented songs, we listened to them. Here are 5 songs and artists that stood out to us in this round of "PLAYDATE. Picks,” a series that appears on the our Instagram once a week. If you commented on the post and aren't on this list, continue submitting, you never know what next week will bring. Follow PLAYDATE. & GenDirect on Instagram to stay up to date.
“Nothing Means Anything” - Tarion
Tarion is an instrumentalist/singer/songwriter from Houston, Texas. Funky is the word I would use to describe Tarion. His voice transports your spirit to a different time full of carefree dance and bright coloured clothes. If you enjoy the sounds of Durand Bernarr, then I think you’ll love “Nothing Means Anything”
- GenDirect
2. “Soulmate” - Arianna Reid
Arianna Reid is a 23 year old singer-songwriter from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Though she has produced songs for hip-hop artists such as Jadakiss & Freddie Gibbs, her own music is soft, tranquil and relaxing. ‘Soulmate’ is full of beautiful harmonies and vocal stacking that ever so gently enter your system and envelop you. If you enjoy Aaliyah (high praise, I know) then you’ll love this song.
– GenDirect
3. “Safe” - Spencer Diamond
Spencer Diamond is a 27-year-old R&B singer from Corbin, Kentucky. On Spencer’s latest single, “Safe,” he croons “when I look into your eyes I’m safe.” The song gives a throwback to his influences of 90’s artists like K-Ci & Jojo, Jodeci, and Brian Mcknight. From his soulful harmonies, paired with the laidback breezy production, he demonstrates he’s not to be played with and can hold his own in the R&B genre. If you enjoy 90’s R&B and artists like Jon B, Jodeci, and Brian Mcknight, this is the artist for you.
4. “Don’t Be Alarmed” - Felix Ames
Felix Ames, a Milwaukee native is an upcoming superstar in the realm of R&B. Felix just Dropped his highly anticipated debut album JENA and to say this body of work is a masterpiece might be an understatement. “Don't Be Alarmed”, the lead single off the project, is a jam to say the least. The song brings us a silky smooth vocal performance that transcends time, delivering a performance that echoes the timeless artistry of legends like D'Angelo and Frank Ocean. Start to finish “JENA” is an album full of beautifully spoken lyrics and a nonstop groove making this project a can't miss listen in the world of R&B.
5. “Means Nothing” - Randy White
Randy White, a singer/songwriter/producer from Los Angeles, released “Means Nothing” on his most recent EP “Lost In Meaning” two months ago. “Means Nothing,” the first track of the 6-song EP, exemplifies Randy White’s razor-sharp musical instincts and storytelling abilities. Less is more with this track. The simple hook “Maybe it means nothing to you” says everything it needs to say and leaves room for contemplation. It’s heartfelt, direct, and evocative. Randy White’s passionate and intentional vocal delivery is a standout element of the song that perfectly accompanies the track’s tranquil production. Even though “Means Nothing” is about heartbreak, it’s not a downer of a song. Its ethereal, floaty sound makes it a track that feels great as a listener.