The UK mecca of urban soul acts strikes again with another fantastic group making a name for themselves in the form of Venus Tribe. Much in the same light as fellow British act Urban Vibe, Venus Tribe is fronted by the strong female lead vocalist in Diane Joseph (who was formally with the group Truce) as well as the up and coming DJ/producer extraordinaire DJ Dodge (who is a resident on MTV UK's Lick). The other members are Bishop Brad (keyboards) who's worked with Mary J. Blige, Eternal and Shaun Escoffery, Jonathan Shorten (producer/writer - Gabriel) and Karl Vandenbosch (percussion - Sade)

This track on review here Slow Down truly solidifies the term 'modern soul' for it's fresh and honest approach to the soul and R&B arena. Armed with a smoothed out and thoroughly thumping bass line, keys and hand claps throughout, it borrows the hook from Brand Nubian's track of the same name, but the production is crisp and most definitely on the money in my books. Diane's voice is potent, bright, sophisticated and dare I say addictive as she sings the song with extreme precision (the words on paper just doesn't stand a chance once she gets a hold of them).

They've ventured into the remix dept as well and has done remixes on Rhianna 'Oh Baby' joint

This track is getting massive radio and internet play in Europe (especially in their native UK) and hopes to find the same degree of merit on these shores as well. There is no album in the works as of yet but there is a follow up single called 'Better Things' that's on it's way very soon.

This one gets my 'highest recommendation' for your listening ear... an absolutely must have in your music library. A TY-D Pick indeed. 

Listen to Venus Tribe's 'Slow Down '

TD

 

There's a lot of singers in the female soul category that are viving for our attention nowadays. From Erykah Badu, India Arie and Yazarah to newcomers Terri Walker and Ms Dynamite.

And speaking of newcomers, another female singer we should all be listening to is newcomer Venus Malone. The fresh faced beauty originally hails from Columbus, Ohio and left for Germany when she was offered the project of being the lead singer of the group 'Femail'. That didn't work out but Munich did as she now calls it her home.

Seeing that the German music scene is thriving, she spends the next few years sharpening and honing her craft, singing with cover bands in music bars and tours as a background singer for Brooke Russell and Sabrina Setlur while still having the intention to make her own music in the process. That process sees many major labels knocking at her door but she shies away, always wanting to evolved on her own and in doing so she has created her debut album called 'Pretty on the Inside'.

The lead off single is 'Eye on the Prize' - a sultry slice of sweet soul music wrapped up and caressed effortlessly by Venus's sensually sexy voice. All that you want in a good soul tune can be found here from great production to moving lyrics which makes you wonder what the full length has to offer - this is a tune!

You will not regret getting this one (you will play it over and over again). I strongly recommend that you go to your nearest record shop and pick it up. A TY-D Pick indeed. 

Listen to Venus Malone's - 'Eye on the Prize'

TD