Welcome back to Soul Sessions, where I’ve put together some of the best music found on Soundcloud for this week, no matter the genre. Because no artist wants to be “the next (insert name here),” I’m digi-crate-digging to bring you some of the best up-and-comers from all over. Take a listen and tell me what you think is fire in the comments below!

Chic Loren – “Right Here”

This is one of those beats that could easily overpower the singer, but Chic Loren comes in with that second soprano power. It’s a hard-hitting love anthem for when your partner needs to be reminded that the adoration isn’t dissipating, it’s building (just like she does with those harmonies).

Paige Wells – “Runnin'”

I usually really dislike sampling, especially if the person is going to be singing over it (I’m less likely to dislike it if it’s hip-hop). Paige Wells has me ready to change my mind as she uses one of my favorites, Adrian Marcel’s “Weak After Next,” to respond to his tune about the object of his affection running away from their budding relationship. It’s an awesome take on why a woman might be unsure of giving her heart to a man, and Paige’s voice definitely is complimentary to Adrian’s. Collab in the future?

Ré Lxuise – “CHBYG”

So remember how Paige was talking about her hesitation for entering into a relationship with a guy? Well Ré Lxuise takes it next level when her guy keeps fronting and she’s over it (CHBYG stands for “could have been your girl”). She was down for him, he played games, couldn’t figure out what he wanted, and it just wasn’t poppin’ like that anymore. So, she hit the studio to let bruh know that he had the greatest her heart had to offer and he messed it up. The lesson here is that if you screw up a relationship with a musician, they’ll just write a fire song about it and keep it pushing.

Desmond Owens (feat. QUEEN) – “No Pay”

What happens when you invest in your relationship, figuratively AND literally? Desmond Owens tackles being taken advantage of emotionally and financially in this traditional soul cut. I really appreciate the musicality in this song, from the vocal layers to the live instrumentation. I could have done without the rap verse, but only because I didn’t feel it was necessary with this kind of vibe. The speaking part at the beginning accomplished enough, including humor.

Drew Vision – “Pills”

Drew Vision just wants to have fun and compares his love to pills in this upbeat tune. The song boasts that one night with him will have the lucky girl hungover and addicted. With an infectious bass line and some very cool musical transitions (especially in the bridge), this talented singer recently released a full project, Balance, which you can stream on Soundcloud. Balance also includes a “Pills” remix.

MAAD MOISELLE – “Black Ice”

Drew might be addictive, but MAAD MOISELLE says she’ll have him slipping, sliding and falling, illustrating her love as the elusive and dangerous black ice. The synths and drum pattern give a nod to the ’80s, but this song doesn’t sound dated at all. This is an awesomely danceable song to put on at a girls night in or on the way to your favorite spot to grab drinks.

Tay Walker – “Where Would We Go”

I’m sure current events have many people contemplating their mortality. Tay Walker takes an introspective route on this song, wondering what happens when one transitions out of this life and off of this plane. He also takes aim at society, questioning the way we treat each other and our planet. It’s poetic without being lyrically cumbersome and beautiful without being overdone melodically.

Let us know your favorite new songs in the comments below!

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