Spotify and Live Nation Urban have partnered for RNB X Live: The UK Sound, featuring emerging R&B talent from the U.K.
The two-city experience is set for Aug. 21 at San Francisco’s August Hall and Aug. 27 at New York’s Irving Plaza.
RNB X Live: The UK Sound will feature up-close performances by kwn, Odeal, Elmiene, Sasha Keable, and Venna.
“The U.S. has long been the mecca for what we recognize as R&B today, but the U.K. has always held its own, with a rich legacy and a wave of fresh, genre-pushing talent,” says Alaysia Sierra, Spotify’s head of R&B editorial.
They continue, “In the age of streaming, the globalization of R&B means we’re more connected than ever to artists who are redefining the sound from across the pond. From legends like Sade, Craig David, and Corinne Bailey Rae to innovators like Cleo Sol, Elmiene, Sasha Keable, and kwn, the U.K. scene continues to evolve with intention.”
Backed by Spotify’s flagship R&B playlist, RNB X, RNB X Live follows the streaming platform’s RNB X After Hours showcase in Washington, D.C. last fall. The inaugural event featured star-studded performances by Normani and Bryson Tiller, as well as Leon Thomas, Destin Conrad and Ambré.
“This event reflects Spotify’s ongoing commitment and support of the R&B community,” Sierra exclusively told Rated R&B about After Hours. “I’m so excited to have DC host this event because it’s really important for us to show up for R&B fans outside of major cities, and DC is unique with its strong R&B fanbase on Spotify.”
Over the years, Spotify’s R&B team has experimented with different ways of engaging with R&B fans, from debuting R&B First Nights in 2023 with Victoria Monét to launching RNB X Magazine and OUTSIDE, a performance series.
Tickets for RNB X Live: The UK Sound are on sale now via Ticketmaster:
