Harleighblu is a British singer-songwriter and neo-soul artist hailing from Nottingham, England. Born on November 7, 1991, Harleighblu has quickly become a prominent name in the British soul scene, known for her unique blend of soul, hip-hop, and jazz. Growing up with her mother's extensive record collection, she developed a deep passion for music from a young age and began her journey into songwriting and performance.
Harleighblu was surrounded by the sounds of soul and rare groove, thanks to her mother's record collection, which greatly influenced her musical direction. She began songwriting at the young age of 7, utilizing a community recording studio to craft her early works. By age 12, she was already collaborating with various producers, laying the groundwork for her future career. Her encounter with Birmingham-based producers Dino Nisbett and Andre Bassing was a pivotal moment, as it led her to provide backing vocals for the Grammy-nominated Musical Youth and form her own band.
Her sound, a melting pot of soul, hip-hop, and jazz, reflects her diverse musical influences. Harleighblu's debut album "Forget Me Not" put her on the map with its raw, beat-heavy soul style. Produced by Nottingham's Joe Buhdha, the album and its single "Enough Now" were critically acclaimed, earning the single the title of MistaJam's 'Jam Hot' on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
In 2015, Harleighblu started exploring electronic music with her "Futurespective" EP series, which included collaborations with Dr Zygote, Lost Midas, SpectraSoul, and Azure. This project marked a new phase in her music, blending electronic influences with her soulful roots. Her 2019 album "She," a collaboration with Bluestaeb, further solidified her place in the music world, achieving over 4 million streams and notable vinyl sales.
Harleighblu has graced stages at significant festivals including The Great Escape, Glastonbury, Bestival, and more. She has toured extensively across the UK and France, sharing the stage with notable acts like Amp Fiddler. Her music enjoys regular radio play and has been featured in several reputable outlets like Q, DJ Mag, and USA Today.
Lyrically, Harleighblu addresses themes of feminism, authenticity, and personal experiences, evolving from romantic to more self-empowered narratives. Influenced by Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse, her music integrates hip-hop rhythms and storytelling, resulting in a distinctive vocal style.
Beyond music, Harleighblu is passionate about social causes, particularly feminism, using her platform to inspire change. Her commitment to these issues is reflected in her music and public engagements. Harleighblu remains a significant and influential figure in neo-soul, continuously pushing the boundaries of genre through her innovative sound and dynamic performances.
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