Under the radar - 5 artists to lstn. to this week.
LEXXE - Courtesy of Sam San Roman
The best time of the week. Let’s discover five new faces.
LEXXE (USA).
LEXXE (born Alexis Lucena) is a multidisciplinary pop artist and performer from Long Island, New York, whose music blends dark-pop, disco and emotive storytelling with theatrical flair. Trained as a classical ballet dancer and French horn player, she transitioned into music while performing with New York’s Company XIV, bringing a strong performative and visual identity to her work. Her sound, often described as “witchy disco” marries cinematic synths with personal lyricism and queer joy, showcased on projects like her EPs Meet Me In The Shadows and A Haunted House. LEXXE has been featured in outlets such as Billboard, Galore! and Ladygunn, gaining attention for both her music and stage presence.
TeaMarrr (Haiti/USA).
TeaMarrr is an American-Haitian singer-songwriter from Brooklyn whose gritty, soul-infused R&B and hip-hop sound has made her one of the most compelling independent voices of her generation. She first gained major attention with breakout singles like This Rhyme and Losing You, which showcase her raw vocal delivery and emotionally honest lyricism. Her music blends old-school soul with modern R&B grooves, drawing comparisons to artists who balance vulnerability with strength. TeaMarrr’s expressive storytelling and relatable themes have helped her build a dedicated fanbase online and on streaming platforms.
Keys the Prince (UK/Nigeria).
Keys the Prince is a British-Nigerian artist from West London whose genre-fluid music blends rap, Afro-fusion, R&B, gospel and UK hip-hop into a distinct creative identity that reaches both the British and African diaspora. His journey began in church, where he learned piano, a foundation that would shape both his stage name and his musical sensibilities, and evolved into a fusion sound he describes as Afro-fusion, marrying his Yoruba heritage with London culture. Keys the Prince first broke through with viral moments and notable tracks like Left Right and Oshey, the latter of which he performed on COLORS, a key platform that elevated his visibility across global audiences. His self-produced work combines cultural sound elements such as talking drums, catchy hooks and introspective lyricism, drawing inspiration from acts like Burna Boy, Wizkid and J. Cole.
SHEBAD (Canada).
SHEBAD is a Guelph, Ontario-based music and art project led by vocalist/visual artist Claire Voy and multi-instrumentalist Ciccio Spagnolo, known for blending jazz, soul, R&B and indie influences into a lush, exploratory sound. Their debut album Music is the Answer (2024) received critical praise, earning strong reviews and placement on Spotify’s Best of Fresh Finds Canada playlist, with standout songs like Black Walnut gaining international attention. SHEBAD has played major festival stages including Hillside and the Toronto Jazz Festival and supported acts like Kamasi Washington and Thievery Corporation, showcasing their dynamic live energy. Featuring rich instrumental interplay and emotive vocals, their music bridges influences from Stevie Wonder to Erykah Badu, creating a distinctive, soulful cinematic world.
Debbie (UK).
Debbie is a rising British soul and R&B singer-songwriter from South London whose emotive voice and heartfelt approach have quickly captured attention in the UK scene. She learned to sing in church and began performing at open mic nights and grassroots showcases before signing to 0207 Def Jam, where she’s been developing her craft and sound. Her music, characterized by soft, soulful melodies and emotional lyricism, includes singles like Is This Real Love? and Cherry Wine, the latter touching on personal themes like social anxiety and vulnerability. She has supported major artists such as John Legend and Lucky Daye on tour and co-written songs with labelmates including Stormzy, boosting her profile in British and international R&B.