Demae is proving once again why she’s one of the most exciting voices rising from the UK’s alternative R&B and soul scene. With a sound that feels both refreshingly modern and warmly nostalgic, she brings together soulful melodies, introspective storytelling, and production that drifts somewhere between dreamscape and groove. Her new double release, “Steppers” and “Closer,” shows just how much range and confidence she has grown into as an artist.
“Steppers,” produced by Erik Bodin of Little Dragon, comes through with a rhythmic pulse that feels sleek, magnetic, and almost cinematic. There’s a quiet command in the way the track unfolds, pushing listeners to move but also to reflect. It carries an understated confidence that mirrors Demae’s own journey, steady, assured, and deeply soulful.
On the other hand, “Closer” offers a softer landing. It’s an intimate, ethereal piece that feels like an invitation into Demae’s inner world. The song has a weightless quality, wrapping the listener in airy textures and warm vocals, while her lyrics reflect an honesty that’s both vulnerable and empowering. Together, the two tracks create a dynamic balance: one driving forward with groove, the other drawing you inward with emotion.
They build beautifully on the energy of her July release, Don’t Play The Fool a glowing, soul-infused track also produced in Gothenburg with Bodin. That single quickly found its way into playlists and hearts, praised for its sincerity and lush production. Accompanied by a visually striking piece directed by Ivor Lawson-Adamah, the song stood out as a meditation on looking inward and embracing vulnerability.
Now, with “Steppers” and “Closer,” Demae continues that journey of self-expression while widening her creative palette. She is crafting experiences that invite listeners to connect, move, and reflect alongside her. If there’s one thing these new tracks make clear, it’s that Demae is setting her own rhythm. And for fans of soulful, thoughtful, and boundary-pushing music, that rhythm is one worth following closely.