UK soul is perhaps at its finest that it’s ever been. One major factor to this is the rise of Cleo Sol, the incredibly talented singer-songwriter who has just blessed us with her flawless new album, Heaven. Her most eclectic body of work to date, with folk tendencies creeping in across the assortment of beautiful tracks. Expressive, progressive and subtly powerful, Sol’s new record is one of the strongest and most provoking records of the year to date.

Since her artistic inception back in ’21, Ayra Starr has soar towards stardom at a startling rate. Her daring debut album, 19 & Dangerous, cemented her as one of Africa’s hottest talents, and she continues to compel and entertain on this latest offering. “Rhythm & Blues” is a silky, sensual number that sees Starr flaunt her rich vocals atop a warm instrumental palette.

Heavy hitting DJs Chase & Status show no signing of letting up on their path towards world domination. This time round they link up with fellow DnB frontrunner and MC ArrDee for a cheek-laden, party-ready cut that brings thrilling production and fiery bars from the Brighton rapper.

Cross-genre sibling duo Everyone You Know have shown their acumen across a variety of styles, from indie, to rap, to dance and electronica. Rising swiftly through the underground and now poised to announce themselves fully to the mainstream, their new single “Coming With You” is a melting pot of influence, moody, offbeat yet groove-inducing, back by a earworm hook and nifty guitar work.

Undoubtedly one of the smoothest names in UK soul, Kwaku Asante makes music for late night lounges and sun-kissed afternoons. He is back with a fresh body of work, “Blue Solstice: Volume 2”, another warm, colourful collection of songs that tackles love, relationships and modern culture atop of rich, intricate sonic backdrops.

Multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Vagabon is one of the most interesting artists around. She has now returned, revitalise and reinvented, with her latest studio album, Sorry I Haven’t Called. Recorded in Germany and born out of grief, the LP is sprawling, intimate and ambitious, a personal and expressive collective of songs that refuse to be tied to one genre or emotion, the true sign of Vagabon’s inherent polymathy.

Without restrict of sound or style, flowerovlove grazes the green grass of genre freely. The singer-songwriter’s latest offering comes in the form of “Next Best Exit”, a track that once again shows the emotional and sonic diversity of the artist. Elusive and provoking with a subtle pinch of groove stirred in there, it’s a visceral and vivacious cut from the promising riser.

Californian MC Seafood Sam is driving forward the new age of US hip hop. Plucking from jazz, R&B and soul, Sam’s latest offering – a teaser from his forthcoming EP “Afros In The Wind” – is a savvy and summery single that illustrates the rapper’s effortless charm and vivid lyricism.

Artist and social media personality Bella Poarch is coming into her own musically. Using her huge TikTok following to build a musical career, Poarch is now exploring her sound more than ever, unveiling a fresh, fun and flirty track in “Crush”. Teaming with Lauv, it’s an example of Poarch’s refining style that looks set to continue to rise in popularity.

Scarborough soulstress LOONY continues her sonic exploration with her latest single. The singer-songwriter unveiled her terrific debut album, soft thing, back in 2021, and has since elevated her artistry even further, shown in abundance on this fresh offering. Following previous cut, “Old Friends”, “A Good Night” is the latest from the artist, and shows the expansion of her sound, moving beyond silky smooth soul and into forward thinking production and heartrending emotional potency.

There’s an insatiable creativity to multi-disciplinarian tendai, and his latest single is certainly no anomaly. “Tried To Fly” is boundless, beautiful and encompassing, with tendai’s individualistic vocals serenade the atmospheric poignance of the instrumental backdrop, with the songwriting simultaneously personal yet elusive.

Berlin-based singer-songwriter horsegiirL has gone viral – it’s as simple as that. Her track “My Barn My Rules” is a hypnotic entry into the Tik Tok canon, with a bouncy bass and ethereal synths the sonic landscape for horsegiirL to lyrically trot over. Not for everyone, but worse a listen in any chance.

Rising North London singer-songwriter briskin is back with another impressive single that showcases his generic ambiguity. Floating through the boundaries of pop, R&B, hip hop and electronica, briskin offers up “Rhythm”, a track that upholds a hazy energy flirting with dance and hyper-pop whilst remaining rooted in R&B and the artist’s inventive songwriting.

Forward thinking creative caro is carving her own path with her fiercely modern approach to production and songwriting. She has just unveiled her terrific sophomore album, an characterful and cathartic project. The LP is accompanied by a vibrant, stunning visual for its lead track, “wild at heart”.

Ahead of their performance at Beat Hotel Ibiza later this month, acclaimed collective Secretsundaze unveiled her latest offering, “Come Into My Life”, a moody, artful cut that draws on a variety of sonic flavourings.

Auckland-based beatsmith and DJ Dera Meelan is well known for his unique production style, and this acclaim seems to augment with each passing release. This time round, it’s in the form of “After Dark”, a slick genreless single that features Taylah.

British-Nigerian Afro-pop trailblazer Midas The Jagabon continues to build hype around the release of her November EP with a fresh teaser single. “Louis Vitty” is a change of pace for the artist, opting for a more intimate and subtle approach with striking lyricism and gorgeous melodic favouring.

Releasing her debut EP “In A Perfect World”, emerging artist Äyanna is one of the hottest artist’s in the London scene. The body of work sprinkles R&B and soul into an infectious stand of pop, tackling the theme of love from an intriguing angle. Lead single “Good Ex” comes complimented by a dazzling visual accompaniment.

Making a statement with his debut single, Young Eman unveils “Marri Member”, a striking portrayal of his Zimbabwean roots and Sheffield upbringing. Slick flows and infectious production lay the foundation for Eman’s impressive songwriting.

Continuing the summer party well into September, dancehall royalty Shenseea unveils “Waistline”, an immersive and intricate anthem that boasts confident, incessant lyricism and a sharp performance from the certified star.