Under the radar - 5 artists to lstn. to this week.
AKEIRA JADE
Episode 35 of our beloved weekly series, and here are five more artists you HAVE to lstn. to.
Odell Bunton Jr (USA).
Odell Bunton Jr. is an American singer and gospel-influenced performer from Austin, Texas, whose soulful voice gained wide attention during American Idol Season 22. Born October 3, 1994, he captivated judges with his passionate renditions, winning a Platinum Ticket that sent him straight past early elimination rounds. His performances on the show, including Sam Cooke’s Bring It on Home to Me, highlighted his rich, church-rooted vocal style and emotional depth. Outside of TV, Odell shares music and performances with tens of thousands of followers on social platforms, blending gospel, soul and contemporary R&B influences. With tens of thousands of monthly listeners on streaming platforms, he continues to build momentum as a heartfelt voice rooted in both faith and musicality.
Akeira Jade (UK).
Akeira Jade is a British singer-songwriter and producer whose eclectic sound blends pop, R&B and soul with deeply personal lyricism and stylish production. Growing up in Essex, she developed her craft independently and drew attention through bold singles that showcase both vulnerability and musical versatility. Her 2023 release In House Enemy and subsequent projects reveal a strong melodic identity and an ability to navigate emotional depth with contemporary flair. She’s known for her smooth vocals and keen sense of mood, which comes through in tracks like Sweater Weather and Light House. Akeira Jade’s music has resonated across streaming platforms and communities that appreciate genre-fluid, intimate songwriting.
Svudvde (France).
Svudvde (pronounced “Saudade”) is a French musician, rapper, singer and composer known for his deeply atmospheric and genre-blending music that mixes elements of hip-hop, soul and introspective songwriting. He first gained attention in 2019 via Instagram, sharing raw guitar-voice clips that highlighted his unique sonic identity, a blend of melancholy and light inspired by artists like D’Angelo, James Blake, Nina Simone and Oxmo Puccino. His work draws on diverse influences including Wu-Tang Clan, reggae and classic songcraft, creating a sound that feels both timeless and emotive. Svudvde’s releases, from early tracks like À la folie to recent singles like Petit Pays, explore themes of memory, identity and emotional contrast. Onstage and online, he’s built a loyal following with music that resonates through its subtle complexity rather than formulaic trends
Sara Devoe (USA).
Sara Devoe is a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter known for her dreamy blend of indie, grunge-leaning pop and introspective songwriting. She began releasing music during the pandemic, learning guitar and production skills while recording songs in her home setup before evolving into fully formed studio work. Her sound mixes elements of dream pop, alt folk and lo-fi textures with confessional lyrics that capture coming-of-age themes. Devoe’s debut full-length album Come Away, O Human Child! was released in October, showcasing an eclectic mix of instrumentation and emotional depth. She’s also active in the New York live scene, bringing her intimate, genre-fluid style to stages around the city.
Arno Sacco (Belgium).
Arno Sacco is a Belgian-Caribbean singer-songwriter whose soulful, emotive R&B has been gaining attention across Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. Born in Belgium and shaped by experiences in the Dutch R&B scene and London’s creative community, he’s become known for his soaring falsetto and introspective lyricism. His debut single Blue Boy, written over three years and produced with collaborators linked to Beni Giles and Joe Brown, blends lush guitars with tender vocals and themes of self-reflection and rebirth. In 2025 he followed up with tracks like Two Shots (Looking For Love), further showcasing his evolving sound. Arno regularly performs live within London’s vibrant club and jam scenes and is highlighted as one of the R&B artists to watch, bridging heartfelt songwriting with atmospheric production.