Catching Up With Solange Via the “Saint Heron” EP Posted by Lucas Garrison on 12/11/13 | Filed under Videos, Pepsi, Solange

True story…. A few months back I was checking to see about any new concerts and saw that Solange was going to be in the area (at a really dope venue). I wasn’t 100% sure if I was going to go so I didn’t buy tickets—also because buying tickets online sucks because they charge you an absurd “convenience” fee (what ever the heck that means)—so a day before the show, I drove all the way to the venue only to find out the show was sold out. Downer. Fear not friends, there was a silver lining to this tragic tale; it got me back into her 2012 EP True. I had listened to it a little bit here and there but never really gave it a big ol’ listen. Foolish of me because I came to realize it’s excellent.

It must be frustrating to be Beyonce’s sister, but honestly, I don’t even think of them as musical sisters because Solange’s music is so different. Where Beyonce is more of a pop star, Solange’s style is more R&B rooted (with a splash of new wave) and definitely has some vintage, funk undertones; I get that same infectiously laid-back, bubbly feeling listening to her as I do with Parliament and the lot. If you want a radio friendly cut, go with Queen B but if you want a more unique, ultimately engaging listen, I’d go Solange everyday and twice on Sunday. I think my favorite song off the EP is "Lovers In The Parking Lot". It is creative, glossy and has a strong throwback vibe. The visuals are dope too—she always has cool videos—and they feature one of hip-hop’s most respected southern emcees (think H-Town).

Oh yeah and you know how we all talk about how Kendrick kills everyone and can never get shown up on a track? Solange beat him. Granted she wasn’t rapping but when you listen to Looks Good With Trouble tell me you don’t leave remembering Solange over K. Dot.

It has been a minute since we have heard from her, but that doesn’t mean she is going unappreciated. Solange has recently joined forces with some of the new generation of R&B stars including Cassie, Sampha, and Jhene Aiko, for a compilation album entitled, "Saint Heron". What makes this so special is that all of these artists are looking to redefine the way in which we define R&B. They all have something unique and different about them and by joining forces they will prove that their version of R&B is more than just pianos and break up songs.  Excited for the album? Me too! You can preview a few of the cuts via Pepsi Pulse and be sure to keep the album…and Solange…on your radar for 2014.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM the "Saint Heron" EP