Add to playlist: Rimon, the artist fronting Amsterdam's new soul sound

‘Growing up, I had a few badass women as musical influences,’ says Rimon, the Eritrea-born artist who many consider to be at the forefront of Amsterdam’s soulful new style. ‘I had Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Pink – just very strong women in the music industry. I always say that the pillars of my music are in soul and R&B, but I like to experiment just because I love all genres.'

Rimon debuted in 2018 with her EP, BBYGURL FOCU$, which featured the R&B anthem, ‘Grace’ – but a full-length album is something that’s very much on her mind. ‘So far, I’ve only dropped EPs and singles, but I’ve been marinating on my debut album – a proper introduction of who Rimon is; way more in depth, way more personal. I feel like that’s going to change everything,’ she says.

For a songwriter whose style is already incredibly introspective, the idea of plumbing even greater depths can be challenging. ‘I try to write songs that are very personal, and sometimes it’s scary to share my feelings,’ she explains. The key, she finds, is being able to find a balance. ‘I try to add some hints of positivity and empowerment in my music. Even though it’s a sad song, it always ends in a way that’s uplifting.’

The introspection running through Rimon’s lyrics extends to an awareness of her craft and artistic process, too. She sees being in a rush to make music, or to release it, as being something of a false economy. ‘I’d say, for every aspiring artist, [it’s important] to really take your time to develop your sound or things you like. Develop a direction of where you want to head. Take your time to build a solid team around you.’

And while time spent in a state of flux can often feel interminable, in much the same way as she seeks to find moments of power and positivity amid sadness in her music, Rimon puts a different spin on not rushing. ‘The time before you start releasing, that’s very important and precious. That’s when you can really express, really mess around, have fun with it before it becomes serious, you know? So, yeah, don’t rush.’

Watch the video above for an interview with the artist, as well as a snapshot of her performance at Shoreditch House. 

As part of her Soho Rising House tour, Rimon performed in Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome, and Paris. Presented in collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins, Soho Rising is our platform for championing the best emerging talent around, giving you the chance to see the stars of tomorrow first. Previous guests have included Arlo Parks, Griff, Holly Humberstone, serpentwithfeet, and Moses Boyd.