NEW ARTIST FINDS: BILLIE BLACK

19 year old Billie Black may still be relatively unknown, but that’s soon to change as she’s definitely one of the best singer-songwriters coming out of London today. With influences ranging from James Blake to Billie Holiday, her charmingly silky smooth vocals lace over slow-grooving electronics that create her alternative R&B meets future-soul sound. She recently released her debut EP, 000 001, and it’s quickly gaining some well-deserved attention that we highly recommend.

BILLIE BLACK - BLACK & WHITE

Her debut track “Black & White” started gaining her attention late last year while also serving as a great introduction to her sound. The track eases you in with sensual bass lines and groovy guitar licks, and once the ‘90s-R&B style chorus hits at the 1:08 mark the track really begins to take off. Her silky smooth vocals soar over the smooth beat and moody atmospherics which make for a wonderfully charming slow-jam.

BILLIE BLACK - I WAITED FOR YOU

“I Waited For You” is a little more on the electronic side, as it’s packed with glitchy electronic elements, clicks, and a urgent drum machine-style beat. Slowly, ominous bass-synths are introduced until the chorus hits at the 1:24 mark, along with orchestral strings and a smooth-grooving beat that causes the emotion to heighten. Her vocals also gain intensity as she sings, “and I’ll give you the space/ and I’ll give you the room” before going into “and I’ll give you my heart/ and I’ll make it enough,” making it an almost heart-wrenching and pleading love song.

BILLIE BLACK - I DON'T NEED ANOTHER LOVER

“I Don’t Need Another Lover” really fits her “future-soul” sound, with its funky and warped sounding synths, pulsating bass, and clap-filled beat. Slowly shimmering electronics are introduced that cause the track to take on an almost groovy vibe as she sings “I don’t need another brother/ unless you’re sharing my name.”

Since I’m sure you liked what you heard, be sure to “like” her Facebook page and show her some love and support! And if you need even more awesome BitCandy-approved new music in your life, then head on over here.

About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.