R. Notes started singing as soon as he could speak. Growing up in Coney Island, the New York City native didn’t have it easy. Music was an escape from the troubles of the day and it was the path forward. At an early age he had his sights on stage and studio. He wrote his first song at 14 and never looked back.
Now based in Brooklyn, R. Notes launched his career with a series of cover songs on his YouTube channel. He made his professional recording debut in 2019 with the feel good Hip-hop/Pop anthem “Summertime.” He followed up with a handful of singles earlier this year, including the acapella “Love is All” and the soulful Pop and Latin beat of “Go Slow.” Early this month he dropped his first full-length record.
“Heartaches & Heartbreaks” is the debut EP from R. Notes, released worldwide to all major streaming services on December 3, 2021. The seven song collection finds the singer navigating the troubled waters of the title. The record moves through R&B, Pop and Neo-Soul vibes with Jazz virtuosity. At the heart and soul of the mix is that voice. With flawless execution and a deep soul, Notes maneuvers that smooth tenor through a seemingly boundless range of emotion, melody and harmony.
“Issues” opens the record with a low and cool guitar/bass arrangement. R. Notes delivers a heartfelt appeal to his lover to work with him to resolve their issues because she is, “A memory worth reliving.” Its a beauty of a heartbreaker with lush layers is impeccable harmonies. “Sirens” follows and takes a cool stylistic turn. Analog synth arpeggios rides a Lo-fi Hip-hop beat as the singer looks at a relationship that may not make it.
“Compromise” introduces a dramatic Dark Pop vibe with a rhythmic mix of percussion, piano and strings. With the emotional power ballad R. Notes shares one of the few happy endings on the EP. He tells the story of his own personal growth and gives props to his partner for helping him evolve. The protagonist in the melancholy “Halfway” does not fare as well. With beautiful accompaniment from an ensemble of acoustic guitar, piano, bass and strings the singer delivers a wistful torch song to his partner who left him behind.
Guest vocalist Elijah the Wolf joins R. Notes on “Running on Empty” which pairs a cool slow Pop groove with a rich tapestry of vocal harmonies. The R&B/Jazz lament “Leave it All Behind” follows. The singer faces the end of love and mournfully bares his soul, accompanied by an organic ensemble of piano, bass and drums. The record ends on the bonus track “Late Night Text (ode to my wife).” It is an intimate and touching love song set to a cool experimental Synthwave backing track.
Check out the “Halfway” video below. You can also hear that song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist and “Compromise” on the Deep Indie Beat, or listen to the entire album on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with the artist. Get on his socials and get in the loop on everything to come from this fast rising star.
