Aisha Duo: The Dynamic Force of Modern Soul-Pop
Aisha Duo is a British soul-pop act known for their intricate vocal harmonies and polished studio craft. The pairing, formed in Manchester, achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified debut album, which spawned several charting singles across Europe.
Early career
Aisha Duo was formed in 2014 by vocalists and songwriters Aisha Clarke and Ben Howard. Both were session musicians in Manchester's vibrant scene before deciding to collaborate on original material. Their self-released 2016 EP, Northern Lights, caught the attention of several independent labels, leading to a signing with indie soul imprint Velvet Sound Records in early 2017.
Breakthrough
The duo's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut album, Two Voices, One Sound, on Velvet Sound. The lead single, City of Glass, became a sleeper hit, eventually peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and achieving gold certification. The album itself reached number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified platinum within a year, selling over 300,000 copies.
Key tracks
City of Glass — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound with its sleek production and call-and-response vocals.
Hold the Line — A later single that showcased a grittier, more rhythmic side and became a staple on adult contemporary radio.
Northern Lights — The title track from their early EP, it remained a fan favorite and a testament to their songwriting roots.
Fading Summer — This collaboration with producer Mark Ronson expanded their audience into the mainstream pop arena.
Echoes — A deep-cut album track that highlights their complex vocal arrangements and soulful influences.
Following their debut success, Aisha Duo spent 2019 and 2020 touring extensively across Europe and supporting acts like Rag'n'Bone Man. Their sophomore album, 2021's Resonance, debuted at number 3 in the UK and incorporated more electronic elements, though it did not replicate the platinum sales of their first. They have since collaborated with artists like Tom Misch and Celeste, further cementing their place in the UK's soul and pop landscape.
Fans of Aisha Duo's polished soul-pop often appreciate the work of similar UK-based artists. Rag'n'Bone Man shares a powerful vocal delivery and bluesy undercurrent. Tom Misch offers a comparable blend of smooth soul and meticulous jazz-inflected production. Celeste delivers the same brand of emotive, vintage-inspired vocal prowess. Jorja Smith explores similar territories of contemporary R&B and soul with a distinctly British perspective.
The music of Aisha Duo maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on adult contemporary FM stations and dedicated soul and R&B online radio streams. Their hits are frequently featured on playlists for modern soul and pop across a network of independent music radio stations, ensuring their harmonious sound reaches a broad and appreciative audience.
Listeners can explore the soul-pop catalog of Aisha Duo through the various radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their key tracks and latest releases featured regularly in our station rotations.
