Adrian Daniel’s “Requiem” Adds Brooklyn Twist to R&B

December 7, 2022 by Michela Arlia

Singer, songwriter, and producer Adrian Daniel, a native of Brooklyn, is making a name for himself once again, following the release of his latest album, Requiem.

The R&B neo soul artist released his thirteen-track project in late November of 2022 . With over 1.4 million total streams to date, Daniel aims to sway the stereotypical Brooklyn music scene from hip-hop and indie to rhythm and blues, but with a twist.

To get the ball rolling, the first track, “Nothing Left,” starts out with mysterious tonation, as Daniel teases signature falsetto riffs. The track then shapeshifts musically, where the standard verse and chorus plays over the track until listeners are suddenly captivated by a female voice in spoken word.

Daniel’s most thought-provoking and meaningful lyrics are ever-present in “Won’t Judge,” where he conveys a message of the need for resilience and the removal of toxicity, singing lyrics such as “who’s perfect in this world in this time and age.” This is a central theme throughout the album for Daniel.

If you’re looking to let loose a bit, track two, “Back to Life,” was created for you. The reverberating downbeats on the production track fill the space needed for enjoyment, as Daniel samples the Soul II Soul classic song of the same name. I personally replayed it three times. Some honorable mentions on the album are “Safe in My Arms,” “You Slay Me” and “Lie to Me” for their infectious chorus and subsequent backtracks, and “Reasons,” specifically for the subtle, yet chilling use of panning on its track.

Adrian Daniel’s sound breaks through the R&B norms, as he sneaks elements of pop, electronic rhythms, and soul into his effortless vocal range. By creating a sound very comparable to artists such as The Weekend, Daniel manages to stand out with an element signature to him, that being his perfect mixture of sounds deeply rooted in the borough he hails from. You can listen to Requiem anywhere you stream music.

Publisher’s Note: Photos are by Keaton Matusich (https://keatonmatusich.com) , courtesy of 1990 Records (https://1990records.org)…….

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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