Rdio has been great for me to help discover new music. I like to follow “similar artists” starting with artists I know I like. The latest I’ve found is an artist named YahZarah, who used to be Erykah Badu’s backup singer. Her latest album, The Battle of the Purple Saint James, is great. It reminds me of Janelle Monae’s last album that was my favourite album a couple of years ago. It feels very much inspired by 70’s R&B, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Kahn. Real instruments, diverse stylistically and lots of soul.

Here’s my two favourite cuts of the album: The Lie..

.. and Why Dontcha Call Me No More.