Modern Soul Band: The Architects of 21st Century Soul

Modern Soul Band is a dynamic British soul and R&B collective known for revitalizing classic sounds with contemporary production. Hailing from London, the group achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified second album, which spawned several Top 40 singles and cemented their place in the modern soul landscape.

Early career

Formed in 2012, Modern Soul Band coalesced from the city's vibrant live music scene, where its core members met during open mic nights. Their self-released debut EP, First Light, in 2014 caught the attention of several independent labels, leading to a signing with the respected indie soul imprint, Velvet Groove Records, the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, City Lights & Neon Nights, released via a new partnership with major label Atlantic Records UK. The album debuted at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart and was later certified platinum, driven by heavy radio play and critical acclaim for its fusion of 70s-inspired grooves and modern electronic textures.

Key tracks

Golden Hour — This lead single broke into the UK Top 20 and became their signature song, defining their warm, retro-modern sound.

Streets of London — A collaboration with UK jazz pianist Reuben James that showcased their sophisticated musicianship and earned a MOBO Award nomination.

Hold On Me — A deep-cut album track that became an unexpected streaming hit, amassing over 50 million plays and demonstrating their album-depth appeal.

Turn It Around (feat. Cleo Sol) — This 2021 collaboration marked a successful pivot into a more mature, minimalist soul direction.

Following their breakthrough, Modern Soul Band headlined tours across Europe and performed at major festivals like Glastonbury and Love Supreme. Their third studio album, 2022's Resonate, debuted at number 8 on the UK chart and incorporated more live instrumentation and socially conscious lyrics, reflecting their artistic growth. They have since collaborated with artists like Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei, further solidifying their standing within the UK's contemporary soul scene.

Fans of Modern Soul Band should also explore the sophisticated sounds of Tom Misch, who shares a similar blend of jazz-inflected guitar and smooth production. The neo-soul grooves of Jordan Rakei offer another parallel with their focus on intricate songwriting and atmosphere. For more classic soul influences filtered through a modern lens, check out the work of Michael Kiwanuka. The vibrant energy of Sault also resonates with Modern Soul Band's rhythmic and exploratory approach to the genre.

The music of Modern Soul Band is a staple on our featured soul and R&B radio stations, from dedicated online soul streams to influential FM stations specializing in contemporary urban music. Their tracks are frequently highlighted in prime daytime rotations and special artist spotlight segments, connecting them with a broad audience of soul enthusiasts.

You can discover the rich catalog of Modern Soul Band by tuning into the various radio stations available on onairium.com, where their timeless yet contemporary soul music is regularly featured for your listening pleasure.