indie underrated

Adrielle Bow Belle has really dazzled us with her new single, Breaking News. The Harlem-based singer songwriter and self proclaimed “Pop Punk Princess” has really delivered with this gorgeous throwback R&B jam. Her vocals range from light and delicate to almost a belt, with lyrics that discuss the racial discrimination that the black community continues to face. In particular, Adrielle covers the issue of police brutality and the struggles to seek justice for victims of such systemic violence. Fans of artists like Alicia Keys will appreciate her vocal stylings, with the lyrical sensibilities of newer R&B artists like Janelle Monae and Solange.

The beat to this song lends well to Adrielle’s vocals, with a light plinking piano that recalls some of the hits that made Ms. Lauryn Hill a household name. The drums are in your face and blast off with claps and tambourines that give the beat a nice lift. Throughout the chorus, gospel organ pads fill the arrangement and make the song feel like it was from one of the lost members of the Soulquarians. All in all, the production gives the song a light feel but does not take away from the message or Belle’s virtuosic vocal performance.

You can find Adrielle on Instagram here. You can listen to this song on Spotify here.

You can listen to this track as well as the rest of the songs we cover on the Indie Underrated Spotify playlist here.