Cleo Sol - Winter Songs and More
When I am cleaning. I do like to listen to music. Many people like to listen to music when they are on public transport driving their own vehicles or even when they are walking or jogging.
I recently re-listened to an EP that brought smiles to my face once again. The same as it did when I listened to it in 2018.
The EP is called “Winter Songs". It was released on the 9th of March 2018, and it was to bring more "noise" than usual to the UK RNB and Neo-Soul music scene.
In fact, the London-born, Ladbroke Grove singer-songwriter decided to ease herself back into the music industry after a 6-year absence with this 5 Track/song Ep. The artist's name we are talking about is Cleo Soul (Her real name is - Cleopatra Zvezdana Nikolic) - https://soundcloud.com/cleosol/sets/winter-songs-ep.
In fact, other UK artists of the same ilk such as Jorja Smith, Sinead Harnett, Ella Mai, NAO, Mahalia, Marie Dahlstrom, and Tiana Major9 have all played a major part in allowing the rest of the world; to not allowing their "eyes" and "ears" to be diverted from the UK musical endeavors and musical output.
Especially when it comes to the output of Rnb, Neo Soul, or Future Soul music.
Even when putting together this article together. The artists that I have already mentioned above are already under attack from newer artists such as – Tamera, Amaria BB, Reuben James, Karl Benjamin, and Elmiene. All from the UK.
The Brit Awards took place in January 2022. It was then announced that four new fan-based-voted categories, including Best Pop/R&B Act, were now going to be added.
These new categories have not pleased everyone, especially the music category mentioned above and named – The Best Pop/Rnb Act/s.
The UK artist that is Mahalia – expressed her concerns about the decision via creating this new category.
She believes that the Rnb Category should not have been melded together with the music gender that is Pop music. Please see below her response to this…
@mahalia tweet - Nov 2021
However, the show went on accordingly and so did the Category (The Best Pop/R&B Act). The POP - Singer/songwriter - Dua Lipa claimed the prize and home the award – on 5th January 2022
However, even with this new category change at one of the major awards ceremonies within the UK.
The UK RNB, Neo Soul, and Future Soul music scene seem to be gaining musical "Friends and Fans" from around the world.
Whilst at the same time influencing many musicians, artists, and groups at the same time.
As mentioned above. Cleo Sol returned back to the UK music industry with her self-penned EP called “Winter Songs" in March 2018
It was my first time (2018) hearing the EP when it surfaced on the Internet.
In fact, it was via the Social media platform called YouTube – and then clicking onto the music media company called - ColorsxStudios GmbH - that brought forth, underground Rnb, Neo Soul, and HipHop artists from music lovers around the world.
That it got its first worldwide hearing (2018)
The debut song from the EP that whetted my appetite for wanting to hear more was/is the single called (please see below).
Cleo Sol's “Why don’t you?” 2018 from the Ep that is called “Winter Songs”.
Cleo Sol has cited in the past, her varied musical influences whilst growing up in London, England. She mentions all of this via an interview she completed in 2011 - http://soulculture.com/features/interviews/cleo-sol-get-familiar-interview/
It appears that after a stint at a local youth center, working alongside a dedicated and motivational singing teacher. Cleo’s passion for singing started as a hobby to became a serious profession at the age of 16.
She began songwriting and honing her vocals on a weekly basis. Then moving on, we witnessed Cleo Sol performing at monthly showcases.
After reinventing herself as ‘Cleo Sol’ (Cleo Sol paying homage to her Spanish heritage) and posting a few tracks on her MySpace page in her late teens.
Veteran underground producer Davinche (Kano’s P’s & Q’s) spotted the singer and asked her to collaborate on some of his tracks.
Cleo Sol's relationship with Davinche would prove to be instrumental in putting Cleo on the map in terms of the UK underground music scene.
This partnership with Davinche led to Cleo creating tracks with Tinie Tempah on ‘Tears’, Wretch 32’s ‘Dancefloor’, Davinche’s ‘Hero’, and ‘Riding for Love’ alongside Bashy.
Cleo also featured on ‘Give a Little Love’, the official Orange Rockcorps anthem alongside Roll Deep, Wretch 32, and Aggro Santos. Cleo also featured on Funky House tunes such as ‘Addicted’ and "Time to Let Go".
Her promo tracks in 2011 such as ‘LoveBass’ and ‘Call for Me’ received heavy support from BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Kiss, Choice, and Rinse DJs (Swerve, Trevor Nelson, Target, Manny Norte, Ace n Vis, and Ronnie Herrel).
‘Call for Me’ was selected by Twin B as 1Xtra’s ‘Best of British Track of the Week in early May 2011.
In addition to receiving key radio play, industry taste-makers (including ILUVLIVE, MOBO, and Urban Development) began to spot Cleo, marking her as a ‘one to watch in 2011′. - Last Fm
Cleo Sol's Biography - was all taken from above:
https://www.last.fm/music/Cleo+Sol/+wiki
Cleo Sol then released her debut album called - Rose in the Dark (2020) – on 27th March 2020
I have myself listened to Cleo Sol's debut album called Rose in the Dark (2020). It brought a smile to my face that's all I am going to say.
This 11-track project takes the listener through a musical journey of 1970's soul/jazz/fusion and 1990s Neo Soul.
Accreditation and praise should also be heaped onto the producer that is Inflo.
For helping to create the smooth vibes and Melodic structure of most of the songs on this album.
Unfortunately, we are witnessing that modern-day musician/s or artist/s are now all seemingly being drawn into the streaming wars and social media likes.
Infoand Cleo Sol seem to put that aside and decided to make the best project that they could with the resources that they have. And, it seemed to have worked.
Many who have listened to this album state that it will stand the test of time.
Whether you were to listen to - Rose in the Dark (2020) - 2 years from now or whether it be 10 years from now. It's that good.
Don't just take my word for it. Please listen to this independent music reviewer's thoughts on the same album
The Report Card Reactions - Reviewing - Rose in the Dark (2020)
As you can hear and see from the above Video. The music review team known as The Report Card Reactions - gives it the highest praise possible.
You would have thought that Cleo Sol, would have rested on her laurels and held back a bit in even thinking about bringing out another album
However, in the year 2021, she did just that with the release of her 2nd Album called "Mother".
The universally adored album that is known as - Rose in the Dark (2020), is now being challenged by her second album supremacy called "Mother".
This latest project from Cleo is propelling her to resemble a 2022 version of Sade; especially if you are based in London.
However, you may say the same thing about Jorja Smith, who is from the middle to the north part of England, about who is to be the one to watch.
But saying all that. "Mother" the album is a personal array and collection of songs, that talk about various aspects of Motherhood; and at the same time, look at everyday personal problems that come to all of us, and we including her trying to deal with them.
The tracks featured within the album incorporate quite an aloft of orchestral musical backdrops throughout the project and gospel vocal stylings.
Cleo Sol takes us on a blissful, musical journey that brings a smile to our faces.
My favorites from this album are - Promises, Don't It Go to Your Head, and Know That You Are Loved.
The Promises and the track Don't Let Go to your head - see us nodding ever so slightly to the funky groove within the background of both songs (Without us even realizing we are even doing it!)
In the track called "Know that you are loved", we are led into such a lovely soulful Ballard, without it ever sounding fake.
I loved the album. I really did. This came out in the year 2021 as a single when most of the world was in "Lockdown".
I get the feeling that this helped her.
As music lovers were restricted to their homes, thus giving artists a chance to be heard in regards to new music from themselves; especially if you had already bought a previous album that had got everyone talking about you in the 1st place.
The Buzz between her release of Rose in the Dark, and then she brings out, another album soon after called Mother. Really cemented her status within the Underground Uk Soul and Rnb market.
Don't take my word for it.
Here are another Independent Music reviewer's thoughts on the album called "Mother (2021)
Ces-ka and Paul Walsh review the latest album from UK artist Cleo Sol (2021)
Joe Budden has now got onto this and is so, so surprised that she has not "Blown up" already.
Please listen to the podcast that he uses to talk about the work and achievements of Cleo Sol from London, England.
JOE BUDDEN TALKS ABOUT - CLEO SOL APPRECIATION - 2021
(*Please be aware that the conversation does contain swear words. We need to let you know so you are aware)
Moving on. Cleo Sol recently played her 1st headline gig at KOKO, Camden, London, England on the 7th of June 2022. And yes it was Sold Out.
Even more surprising was the fact Cleo has already, two critically acclaimed albums, Rose in the Dark and Mother, along with her work with a mercury-prized, left-field soul outfit called Sault.
Cleo includes within her performance crowd favorites such as, "Don't let me fall and Know that you are loved" which puts a smile on everyone's faces.
She also includes in this same gig the track that possibly turned everyone onto her in the first place. The tune in question is - Why don't you?
Cleo Sol performing - Don't Let Me Fall - on 7th June 2022 at Koko's, Camden, London
Cleo Sol performing - Promises - 7th June 2022 at Koko's, Camden, London
What's next for Cleo Sol?
Well, it seems as if she is on the crest of the wave at the moment.
Many want her to arrange a BIGGER TOUR OF THE UK. Others believe that the "Vibe" at the moment is so good that she should be thinking about touring the US.
Others believe that Cleo should concentrate on producing more music before she does anything else.
However, the music industry can be incredibly cruel. One moment everyone is singing your praises.
Next, the music vibe about you is virtually "NON-EXISTENT".
In fact, People WILL NOT even remember your name.
That's show business for you.
However, in my opinion, if Cleo Sol decides to bring out more music instead of touring.
And then she brings out another - "Winter Songs" type project to the airwaves.
She will become huge.
In my opinion "Winter Songs" EP project ( and Marie Dahlstrom - Like Sand ALBUM) has been the best Neo Soul and RNB EP or album release from an RNB/Soul artist within the last 5 years.
Every track from that "Winter Songs" EP was a killer! If you get the chance please have listened to it. It is still my favorite project from Cleo Sol.
But enough of me. What do you think? Do think - Rose in the Dark or Mother albums were better?
Or if you are like I prefer Winter Songs, Is this the best thing she has done so far? Let us know. Always welcome people's thoughts on the articles that I write.
PLEASE CLICK ON THESE LINKS FOR FURTHER NEWS ABOUT CLEO SOL.
1. CLEO SOL IS BACK - SHE ANNOUNCES PENDING 3RD ALBUM
2. CLEO SOL - 3RD ALBUM CALLED - "HEAVEN" HAS ARRIVED
Well, that's all folks for me now anyway.
Please
DJ Mistri and the Electric Soul Show © www.electricsoulshow.com - Images permission use gained by foreverlivingoriginals.com 2023
