As time progresses and artists start to find their creative sweet spot, we see more and more up-and-coming newbies take off into space with gorgeous production, spectacular features and – while it might not be a brand new and original sound- another fantastic addition to a household sound many feel some type of way towards. In this addition of Artist Radar, we’re gonna take a look at that new addition; the softgirl/softboy bedroom pop sound you play at the comedown of a party (socially distanced, of course!); Alycia Bella.
Bella’s discography is quite short; only boasting a handful of singles and her debut album; you read that right! That one girl talking at the tail end of Frank Ocean’s debut album: channel Orange “End” interlude (didn’t see that one coming, did you?) released a totally underrated and criminally underappreciated debut album: “MUSE” back at the start of January after releasing single after single with the odd Westside Boogie feature on “Cue The Sun” back in 2020; but that’s not to say she’s a “new” artist in the slightest as she recounts working with the likes of Justin Timberlake, NE-YO, Ty Dolla $ign and the infamous will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas.
Bella’s dreamlike, cloudy delivery on her album will make you dream of the simplicity of summertime, the feeling of a cold breeze brushing your cheek as you swig a pina colada on the beach volleyball sand. In reality; her whole vibe oozes self-confidence and an appreciation for reflection and self-discovery. In addition to the Westside Boogie feature, “Healing Interlude” has Vince Staples (the dude that made “Norf Norf”) criticise the lack of respect society throws at black women for merely existing, pushing the “protect black women” narrative further and spelling it out in black and white (no pun intended).
I promise you; you won’t regret checking out her album and her singles while also keeping a close eye on any new projects or one-offs she drops in the near future. I might not know too much about R&B and soul, but I know what good music is and this album is a stellar collection of romance, hardship and social awareness….AND VIBES. This artists’ got creativity out the wazoo and has been rewarded the Nefarious Supply seal of approval (not like she needed it to begin with).
