Under the radar - 5 artists to lstn. to this week.
SÂLO - Courtesy of Samantha Corcoran
Another episode of Under the Radar to start of February the right way!
Dean Brady (Australia).
Dean Brady is a Brisbane-born Australian singer-songwriter whose soulful, genre-bridging music blends R&B, soul and contemporary vibes informed by his multicultural heritage. He descends from the Gugu Yalanji and Birrigubba peoples as well as the Matabele of Zimbabwe, and grew up in a musical household where his parents performed in the outback Motown group Banawurun, shaping his deep connection to soul and performance. Brady first captured attention with his debut single Falling, a warm, modern R&B track that nods to classic Motown influence while embracing modern production. His 2025 album Dean’s Home showcases introspective songwriting and a blend of soul, pop and R&B, with standout tracks like Lost to the Moon, Brand New Smile and 21 Questions. He’s also been featured on triple j Unearthed and performed at key Australian festivals, building a reputation as one of the country’s most promising emerging voices. With velvety vocals and a sound rooted in both tradition and modernity, Dean Brady’s music speaks to emotional depth and stylistic breadth.
Ruti (UK).
Ruti Olajugbagbe, known simply as Ruti, is a British singer-songwriter who first rose to prominence after winning The Voice UK in 2018, before consciously stepping away to redefine her artistic identity. Born on 20 September 1999 in Thurrock, Essex, England, to a Nigerian father and English mother, Ruti grew up surrounded by a wide range of musical influences, from church gospel and Christian rock to Nigerian highlife and pop music. These diverse roots laid the foundation for her genre-fluid approach to songwriting and performance. Moving beyond the TV-show spotlight, she’s built a more intimate sound blending soul, pop, folk and alternative textures. Her recent EPs showcase a strong focus on vulnerability, self-reflection and emotional honesty. Rather than chasing mainstream formulas, Ruti prioritizes authenticity and creative freedom. Today, she stands as a quietly powerful voice in the UK’s new wave of independent artists.
Jaïr Faria (Netherlands).
Jaïr Faria is a rising Dutch singer-songwriter blending pop, neo-soul and indie rock into a distinct, emotionally resonant sound. Originally from the Netherlands and raised around music thanks to his father Glen Faria, he began his music journey early, releasing his first work at 15 and gaining traction with songs like Terug naar nu. His 2024 debut EP Just As Ï Remember showcases his versatility with tracks like Why Me and Do Better, reflecting themes of love, heartbreak and identity with soulful intensity. Jaïr has won the prestigious Grote Prijs van Nederland and performed at major venues such as Melkweg, while his music gains viral buzz on platforms like TikTok. Now based between Amsterdam and Los Angeles, he continues to refine his sound, moving between English and Dutch, and is rapidly becoming one of the Netherlands’ most compelling emerging artists.
Sâlo (UK).
Sâlo is a Manchester-based British singer, producer, pianist and DJ whose genre-fluid sound blends soul, jazz, drum & bass and electronic influences into rich, emotive music. Originally born in Tbilisi, Georgia and raised in the UK from a young age, she brings a unique mix of classical training and underground club energy to her songwriting and production. Her work spans solo releases and collaborations within UK dance music scenes, including jungle and drum & bass, often fusing jazzy melodies with rhythmic intensity. Known for tracks like Give Me Time, Sâlo has built a dedicated following with her intimate vocals and versatile style. With influences from soul to jazz to bass music, she’s emerging as a compelling and boundary-pushing voice in the UK music landscape.
K.Forest (Canada).
K. Forest is a Canadian R&B singer, songwriter and producer from Brampton and Toronto whose atmospheric blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics has helped him build a strong presence in contemporary R&B. Born Kashief Hanson, he began his career with his debut album Forest Fire in 2015 and gained early prominence when his track Guidance was featured in Travis Scott’s Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight. Since then, he’s released several albums and EPs, amassing over 75 million streams and earning recognition such as Spotify’s Radar Canada feature artist of the month. His music, including standout songs like Link, Bad Neighbors and Pray for a Beautiful Sky, balances moody production with heartfelt storytelling, exploring love, growth and emotional complexity. K. Forest has also produced for artists like Baka Not Nice and had his work featured in Netflix series such as Top Boy and Grand Army.