SNOH AALEGRA AND THOSE FEELS

Snoh Aalegra is a burgeoning artist, but her riveting, soulful voice feels utterly timeless and her sound classic. A true music connoisseur who grew up absorbing multiple genres, Snoh crafts her work with focus and passion.

A native of Uppsala, Sweden, she was something of a child prodigy, signing to Sony Music Sweden at age 13. After a period of development in her native country, she moved to the U.S., signing to ARTium Recordings in 2013. Her debut EP, There Will Be Sunshine, was released in 2014 via ARTium/Epic. It boasted the standout single “Bad Things,” featuring rapper/actor Common. That year she also caught the attention of none other than Prince, who mentored the singer. Real recognizes real.

Jay-Z calls her “an island of one, a once-in-a-generation talent who knows exactly who she is. Very rare.” 2015’s “Emotional” epitomizes the musicianship and commitment she brings to every record. Produced by RZA, the cut finds her crooning over a nostalgic soul track that underscores her stylistic range. The black-and-white video, meanwhile, showcases Snoh pouring her heart out in several stripped-down scenes.

ARTium co-founder and manager Izabelle Pourreza Wilson attests to her star power. “She is one of the most talented, hardworking and resilient people I know,” Wilson says. “Her sound is timeless, her heart is pure and her vision is strong. It makes me so proud and happy to see her finally get the recognition that she deserves.” Affirms ARTium CEO Dion “No I.D.” Wilson, “A star is a person who lights up a room when they enter. A talent is someone who, when they create or perform, the results instantly touch your soul. Snoh is a talented star and the art she creates is timeless.”

Not limited to the co-sign of one superstar, Snoh pulled in a dream team of collaborators for her 2016 EP, Don’t Explain. Producers No I.D., DJ Dahi, James Fauntleroy, Christian Rich and Boi-1da delivered clever, cinematic backdrops, while John Mayer contributed guitar for “Under the Influence” and rapper Logic joined in the remix of single “Home.” Snoh’s slightly raspy, powerful vocals on standout tracks like “In Your River” recall the incendiary power of the late, great Amy Winehouse.

After Drake sampled her on “Time” (from his More Life project), Snoh released her debut album, Feels, in 2017. The critically acclaimed project includes standout cuts “Fool for You” and “You Got Me.” That year also saw her support Daniel Caesar on tour and gain more exposure via syncs with Apple and other high-profile brands. Calling the album “cinematic soul,” the singer leaned into her propensity for creating powerfully emotional music.

That tendency is underscored by the title of her follow-up full-length, 2019’s Ugh, those feels again. The set reached #3 on the R&B Album Sales chart and #6 on the Top R&B Albums chart, while the tantalizing single “I Want You Around” soared to #1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart. In addition, the singer released the single “Whoa” with a beautifully shot visual depicting her galivanting around with actor Michael B. Jordan, who played her love interest. The vocally stunning performance helps solidify Snoh as an artist to watch, one who combines the sounds of vintage and present-day R&B into a harmonious sonic melting pot.

This year, Snoh signed a record deal with Roc Nation/UMG. “We are most driven by authenticity,” agree label Co-Presidents Omar Grant and Shari Bryant. “Snoh embodies authenticity and relays it to us in the most beautiful way through her art. We knew a partnership with Snoh and ARTium would give the world music to last a lifetime."

In July, Snoh released the ethereal “Dying 4 Your Love,” accompanied by an evocative video. The mid-tempo record, with its graceful, emotive vocal, created plenty of anticipation for whatever she might do next. She’s here to stay.

Snoh photo: Jack McKain