Rising British singer/songwriter Billie Black has drawn comparisons to Banks, Jessie Ware, and Jorja Smith, and it’s easy to see why. Her effortless combination of R&B, jazz, and electronica also mixes in Roots, Reggae, and 70s disco. There’s nothing stopping this 19-year-old budding talent as evident with her latest EP “the Last Time.”
We asked Billie to put together a playlist of tracks that inspire her music, which includes cuts from Kadhja Bonet, Cosima, and Kwabs. Listen in below.
Kadhja Bonet – This Love
Stumbled across this artist on spotify about a year ago, saw her live in London a week ago, I’m in love with her tone, utterly mesmerizing.
Julie London – Show Me The Way To Go Home
A tune I always end up listening to traveling home last at night after a gig. I love the warmth of the strings and Julie London’s voice will always be one of my favourite jazz voices.
Cosima – WYD
The way the verse drops into the chorus on this tune gets me every time. I love the melody and the production, perfect for feeling warm on cold winter nights. Gentle and honest.
Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans
A tune I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of. The lyrics are so beautiful, especially in the chorus and melody is very cool. Love how atmospheric the song is, makes me feel like I’m in a film.
Feist – Let it Die
I love the beautiful simplicity of this song. Again, such honest and heartfelt lyrics. This song takes me back to a really specific time in my life, it’s a song that has the ability to draw precious memories back into consciousness.
Chet Baker – Like Someone In Love
One of the first jazz standards I ever learnt, sung by one of my favourite jazz voices Chet Baker. Listening to this makes me feel happy and safe.
Billie Black – The Last Time
Well we all know why this is in here. My latest release that feel sums up where I am in my life at the moment. Hope you connect with it the way I do x
James Blake – Radio Silence
Kind of speaks for itself. James Blake. Beautiful, powerful everything. I specifically like this tune because of the lyrics, they’re super relatable and poetic.
Lapsley – Tell Me The Truth
Love Lapsely. Her voice is so unique. Really like the contrast between the verse/chorus in this, and how the whole song fits together, feels as though you’ve been taken on a journey. Very cool.
Kwabs – Perfect Ruin
Kwabs will always be one of my inspirations, we used to sing jazz together. This song can only be described as beautiful and powerful. One of my favourite songs every written.