Soulful, NY-based singer-songwriter ANE (stands for “A New Era”) has a reminiscent, early ’00s vibe—relatable lyrics, catchy melodies, distinctive vocals, and simple production. Her debut, Morsy-produced single “Typical Day, ” from her upcoming mixtape of the same name, is an ode to the city of New York. She is definitely an artist to look out for.

Watch ANE’s video for “Typical Day” below.

Stream/download ANE’s “Typical Day” below.

ANE links: Official Site, Facebook, Twitter,

Donning a “Wherefore Art Thou?” tee and feeling lovesick due to missing her Romeo, Ohio-based singer-songwriter Jade Novah takes on different tasks to mask her pain in the Theshay West-directed visuals to her rendition of Rihanna’s “Stay.” The track was produced by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Devin Johnson and can be downloaded here for free.

Jade is currently working on her debut LP, In Search of Me. In the meantime, you can pick up her free mixtape entitled Shades of Jade.

Watch Jade Novah’s video for “Stay” below.

Jade Novah’s links: Official Site, Twitter, Facebook

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Elle Winston discusses life, love, and race on her soul-stirring, sophomore EP entitled Uncertainty. She describes this 5-track project as her “heart, so take your time with it.” With intimate lyrics performed over flowing vocals, how can you not.

Stream/purchase Elle Winston’s Uncertainty below. 

Elle Winston links: Official site, Facebook, Twitter

Soulful crooner Chris Turner dropped his latest project titled LOVElife is a Challenge, a free mixtape that delves into all things love-related, from breakups to makeups to strong romances, while combing edgy/throwback musical elements with his oh so smooth falsetto.

The Bay Area-singer who has graced the stage with Jesse Boykins, Bilal, and Esperanza Spalding and lists the likes of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield as his musical influences had this to say about LOVElife is a Challenge,

“I am merely a middle man trying to bring you and true love together. LOVElife is my melodic contribution that highlights the significance of loving yourself, sharing growth, and learning to forgive.”

This 17-track mixtape features collaborations from rapper Moruf and singer Jesse Boykins III, as well as covers of Sade’s “Kiss of Life” and Stevie Wonder’s “Seems So Long.” Be on the lookout for Chris’ forthcoming LP, titled LOVEchild.

Stream Chris Turner’s LOVElife is a Challenge below. [FREE mixtape download]

Chris Turner links: Official site, Facebook, Twitter

Amina Schmahl, formerly the lead vocalist of the R&B sister-trio Black Buddafly, is a rising singer-songwriter/composer you should know.

Since her group’s collaboration with Fabolous on their record “Bad Girl,” for the soundtrack of the 2006 flick Waist Deep, Amina’s maintained her following and garnered more fans along the way through her up close and personal videos on YouTube and Vimeo. She performs original songs, cover her favorite tunes, and even showcases her musicianship on her acoustic guitar and keyboard.

In her latest video, Amina self-directs the visuals for her new song “Why,” which she captured on her iPhone while traveling around New York.

“As I would walk/bike/sit stand and stare, or just BE in these different environments, the lyrics of this song would go thru my mind…. tried to capture the simple ‘me’ to convey the honesty of this song.”

Watch Amina’s video “Why” below.

Amina links: Official Site, Twitter, Facebook

*cues the Lion King processional*

NYC-based duo Lion Babe (singer Jillian Hervey and producer Lucas Goodman) are making a roaring entrance with this debut single, “Treat Me Like Fire,” from their forthcoming project. Jillian’s blend of sass, big hair, Erykah Badu-esque vocals, and innate star quality as the daughter of singer turned actress Vanessa Williams paired with Lucas’ laid back, fitting production blends oh so well.

In the Lucas McGowen-directed visuals for “Treat Me Like Fire,” Jillian shows off her animalistic/sensual dance moves and style.

Click here to download the free track.

Watch Lion Babe’s “Treat Me Like Fire” below.

Lion Babe links: Official Site, Facebook, Twitter, Jillian’s twitter, Lucas’ twitter

Arima Ederra, a Las Vegas-based songstress who considers herself a poet that sings, delivers smooth neo-soul vibes on her debut project titled Earth to Arima. Highly inspired by the likes of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige to name a few, Arima vocally displays hints of each.

This Jenesis Magazine-sponsored project features 10 tracks with verses from LA emcees Blu, Sham, and GIBBY and productions by Bhonstro, Dead702, WrightTrax, Al B Smoov, Sol X, and Nabeyin.

Stream/download Arima Ederra’s Earth to Arima below.

Arima Ederra’s links: Facebook, Twitter

Harry McNally and Kosuke Kasza are That Work. The NY-based duo blend ’80s disco-funk sounds with pop sensibilities to create their sound. They dropped their smooth new single, “Act Like You Know,” along with it’s visuals, directed by Harry McNally & Sebo Bear. Check those out below and head over to their Soundcloud to download their other tracks for free.

Watch “Act Like You Know” below.

Stream/download the same track below.