I’ve always been one to believe that the three most fundamental things to understanding and embracing worldly culture is music, food and fashion. A great understanding of each other and what makes each of us so unique and perfectly different is mostly driven by what our cultural influences are and what type of music we listen to. When I seek inspiration during my least inspiring moments, I turn to music. Especially when I’m in a creative mood. I’m always on the hunt for new and exiting sounds in music. Here are five talented songbirds that you should certainly keep on your radar. 

1. PJ | Not quite soul. More like pop-rock and I’m so here for it. The singer/song-writer has written for artists like Wiz Khalifa and Lupe Fiasco. You may have heard her Say track featuring Lupe (I love me some Lupe). Her voice is amazing. I think she has a bright future ahead.

2. Melissa B | Straight out of Virginia, Mel B dropped an EP last year that fused pop, R&B and electronica. Breath is my favorite track on the EP. You may have heard her “Maria” track, which got some air play. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for her.

3. CZA | When I first discovered the artist SZA she had just signed to independent record label TDE. Home of the skillful and lyrically gifted Kendrick Lamar—the album Z had just dropped and my first thought was how smooth and electrifying her sound was. I’m still on the lookout for her sophomore project. Like anxiously awaiting.I think she is pure dopeness.

4. Laura Movula | I’ve talked about this songstress before. The
now 30 year-old Brit brought something fresh and unique to the music
scene. She noted legends such as  Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott,
and Erykah Badu as her music inspirations. Her Sing To The Moon album is eclectically dope. It’s British.
It’s Brilliant. If you’re open to different sounds, you
should certainly give Laura Mvula a listen.  

5. Nao | The London-based songstress laid a few verses on Disclosure’s Caracal track, but back in August I had the chance to check out her Rare album and found it to be quite refreshing and different. Another great music find.