These Are Denver's R&B and Neo-Soul Vocalists to Watch In 2025

Those who love going to R&B shows in Denver or hearing sultry neo-soul vocals at jazz clubs are witness to a blossoming local scene. The boundaries of R&B continue to shift as each wave of artists puts their own twist on the multi-faceted genre, which influences — and is influenced by — local neo-soul singers. Neo-soul and R&B share several similarities, but perhaps the most salient traits are sharing profound narratives, soothing sonics and powerful vocals.

Check out these Denver artists sharing their own renditions of R&B and neo-soul:
Danae Simone
Danae Simone's firm yet gentle voice and ethereal background vocals are sure to bring R&B sensations such as Kali Uchis or SZA to mind. Simone's glamorous city-girl sound, which reveals the many truths of love and intimacy, is the perfect soundtrack for any heartbreak, fresh fling or late-night rendezvous. Each rhythm is sure to keep your hips swaying, while frequent features introduce elements of hip-hop that offer an alternate perspective on the lyrical narrative.
Dzirae Gold
Jazzy and honest confidence are centered in Dzirae Gold's songs. With her BA in Vocal Performance from Eastern Nazarene College and opera training, this Denver artist is well-known in the local jazz and soul scene, with a voice of many registers that captivates listeners Her debut LP, Right on Time, is brimming with neo-soul, jazz, funk and R&B inflections, with enchanting melodies and lyrics that spin theatrical tales of joy and sorrow.
Dominique Christina
Known primarily for her acclaimed career in writing and poetry, Dominique Christina brings the same mellifluous cadence to her foray into music. Christina's first release, Lawless: A Love Story, made in collaboration with her partner and local hip-hop sensation DNA Picasso, is an intoxicating album of love stories and raw lyricism. If the album leaves you wanting more, be sure to check out the wordsmith's four published works.
Halle Tomlinson
Known for her covers of iconic singles such as "New York State Of Mind" for The Voice, Halle Tomlinson is a jazzy, collaborative and soulful instrumentalist and vocalist. Tomlinson's soothing voice takes center stage of each song, though her impressive guitar melodies and drum patterns hold the full track together beneath her lyricism. Tomlinson works tirelessly from her home studio, surrounded by keyboards and drums, while her online audience grows with each day as she incorporates new instruments into her sound. 
Hunnie
Experimenting with pop, R&B and alternative sounds, hunnie makes evocative music that swells with emotion. With a sound that is unmistakably her own, Hunnie navigates the underground scene, weaving soundscapes that transport listeners to lying on a grassy field or envelope them in warmth while simultaneously posing important questions about life. Her interest in experimentation calls to mind such artists as Saya Gray and with a little time, we see hunnie going far.
Iyanla
The vocals of Iyanla rise and fall like water over rugged terrain, flowing with both ease and strength. Combining her love of poetry and sound, Iyanla's layered harmonies sink deep into listeners. With elegant tunes perfect for a contemplative afternoon stroll or an early morning watching the sunrise, Iyanla's work often points to the depths of sadness while still acknowledging the light on the other side. There is no question that greatness is in store for this local artist and that her impact on the Denver scene is only the beginning. 
Izzy Ellis
Izzy Ellis never shies away from a moody piano solo or intimate narrative. Echoes of vocalists such as Daniel Ceasar or Brent Fiayaz can be heard in this local musician's tranquil harmonies. With only a few releases to date, Ellis's discography already includes acoustic alternatives of songs and a moody cover of "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin. His peaceful tunes wrap up listeners tight and encourage us to slow down a little.
Jaiel
Jaiel is here to hype you up with pop- and R&B-laden tunes. Her latest single, "Bet on Me," is an absolutely addictive earworm that empowers and invigorates, the perfect motivator while you head to work or the club. Her single "Sunshine Lovin'" has reached many fans, with nearly 70K streams on Spotify alone, telling a rousing tale of love. But we especially want to highlight her 2022 EP, The Magical World of Black Girlhood, which is a mystifying must-listen in this artist's discography.
Jade Oracle
Jade Oracle is a mesmerizing local group that pulls elements of neo-soul and jazz into heady cinematic soundscapes. Trippy instrumentals weave in and out of focus, dancing with lead singer Coy Lim's voice. Winning a 2024 Best of Denver for Best Neo-Soul Vocalist, Lim holds nothing back with each recording or performance, letting whines of emotion out in eerie waves or soothing harmonies. These haunting vocals over complex live rhythms bring an energy reminiscent of the iconic Hiatus Coyote, which is no easy feat. Silky melodies and high whistle notes you may have heard echoing from birds over the vast Western plains keep each track remarkably unique from the last and highlight the many different skills of the group. 
Jae Wes
Born as Josh McClendon, Jae Wes is a classically trained cellist and pianist now devoted to a fresh R&B sound with a focus on production. Raised in Colorado, McClendon's ambitions are quickly expanding beyond the Denver scene as his career grows, with melting instrumentals painting the smooth backgrounds behind catchy lyrics. Each track is laden with an array of electronic effects, often reminiscent of pop-leaning experimental R&B artists.

McClendon plans to release three projects in 2025, as he now feels more established in his artistry with a better understanding of his fan base. Bringing artsy and romantic themes to his sentimental narratives, McClendon's storytelling continues to evolve, and we're full-heartedly along for the ride.
Lady Los
Lady Los, or Celena Miller, is a neo-soul moon goddess here in Denver with big plans for 2025. Outside of published projects, Miller is now working with her own R&B band made up of Noah Alexander, Abdul Karim Islam, and Nicholas Moulds. Fans can look forward to passionate vocals and sets "designed to soothe the nervous system and uplift listeners" Miller says.

With a strong talent for writing, Miller brings complex verses and enchanting hooks to every song, sometimes shifting into a more hip-hop sound. With many collaborations in the books and more to come, Miller is invested in her musical community much like she is invested in the local youth, coaching basketball year-round. Fans can find Miller opening for R&B touring acts across Denver.
Lokana
Lokana Kokua Kai Lani Tucker is a rhythmic vocalist, bringing angelic yet sassy energy to each verse. Born in Hawaii, Tucker moved to Denver at a young age and now breathes life into the local music scene with performances across the scene. Tapping into pop and hip-hop genres with ease, Tucker's tone shifts through each narrative she spins and occasionally breaks the fourth wall for fun. Tucker knows the importance of jams that get you hyped up while prepping for a night out or that you can sing to yourself in the car, and she continues to bring the good vibes often mixed with some hard truths.
Rebecca Hartt
With a powerful voice and eerie harmonies, Rebecca Hartt demands answers from love. Known for laying impressive vocals that contribute to many local artists' soundscapes, Hartt brings flirty and dignified energy to each story she tells, with soothing R&B tracks such as "Jaded" and "OMW4U." Recent hypnotic remixes, meanwhile, evolve her sound further with dance, electronic and pop influences. Hartt's voice rings clear over any instrumental and remains confident across each lyric. Hopefully, 2025 will have a new release or two in store.
Stacy Kamatu
At the heart of Stacy Kamatu's music is her rich understanding of Afro-soul, Afro-pop and artistic ties to her Kenyan roots. With a voice as strong as the wind from the Rockies, Kamatu is recognized for her multi-lingual wordplay and uplifting energy. With shimmering melodies over textural percussion, Kamatu makes high-level vocal riffs sound effortless time and time again. Serving as a gateway into Kenyan R&B for many listeners, Kamatu highlights her relationships with nature, language and love through her discography.
Spinks
Catchy hooks and record scratches over low, springy beats and instrumentals are signature sounds on any Spinks track. Born and raised in north Denver, she has a deep history with the city, and her enticing vocals share stories of women and late nights that make R&B lovers swoon. "My plan for the year is consistency. I can't wait to share my new music," says Spinks. "I’ll be doing shows around Denver and out of state and collaborating with other great local artists here as well as out-of-state artists."

Taking home a 2024 Best of Denver for Best R&B album, Spinks continues to share her glossy voice with Denver on stage and across streaming platforms.
Yasmine Emani
Sharing powerful and intimate energy with each vocal trill, Yasmine Emani carries a larger-than-life voice that reverberates peace, power and comfort. Born and raised in Denver, Emani studied theatre at the Denver School of the Arts, refining her vocal abilities and striking stage presence. Details of fluttering breath or hand percussion bring gentle texture to many of her songs, while intricate makeup looks and layered outfits do the same for her mystical stage presence. Be sure to catch a live show from this artist and explore her discography online.

Is there another artist you think deserves to make this Westword list? Email us to get them on our radar.